Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP)

How does TFP work?

TFP is a psychodynamic therapy that focuses on the patterns that play out in a person's life. In TFP, you learn about how your mind works, the internal conflicts you wrestle with, defense mechanisms you use, and the relationship patterns you repeat. 

We all have mental templates that help us understand ourselves and others. TFP pays attention to these mental templates, especially as they show up in the room with the therapist. Think of TFP as a laboratory to study yourself and your difficulties. Analyzing your difficulties as they appear in session will help you address your problems outside of session.

TFP is also interested in how people become compartmentalized. There are parts of ourself we keep filed away, outside of our awareness. Often these parts involve anger, vulnerability, feelings and motivations we're ashamed of. These parts of ourselves are dissociated. They belong to us, even though they don't feel like us. Occasionally we see them in ourself. They might show up in our behavior, unbeknownst to us. Sometimes we notice them in others. 

In TFP, you and your therapist work together to articulate the dissociated parts of yourself. By doing this, you become more integrated, more accepting of all parts of yourself. This leads to a stronger, clearer sense of yourself. You become more tolerant of your emotions. You will feel more confident and assertive, more empowered and capable. 

How long does a person stay in TFP?

This is a long term treatment. Adapted from psychoanalysis, TFP is ambitious. I recommend people stay in TFP at least 18 months. In the first six months, people gain greater impulse-control and engage in less self-destructive behavior. Becoming more integrated and developing a stronger sense of self takes more time.