Using Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) Principles in Short-Term and Extended Inpatient Psychotherapy Settings

Originally developed by Otto Kernberg in the 1960s and 1970s in the United States, inpatient transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) still exists today, notably in German-speaking countries and the Netherlands. Inpatient TFP is a disorder-specific, manualized, and modified psychodynamic psychotherapy for patients with a borderline personality organization (BPO). The treatment focuses on non-integrated self-object representations of the patients that are based on dysfunctional early relationships and are actualized in the transference relationships between the patients and staff. The distinguishing aspect of inpatient TFP is the particular focus on the different interactions and related transference-countertransference processes between the patients and the various staff members, who have different therapeutic and nursing tasks. The transference-countertransference relationships are explored jointly with all staff members involved in the treatment of the patients. The basics of this approach including the indications, the therapy components, as well as the different phases of a TFP inpatient treatment model lasting several months, are described as it is carried out today in German-speaking countries. Finally, the applications of TFP principles in brief inpatient settings and acute psychiatric care are discussed.