Transference-Focused Psychotherapy Australia
Specialised Psychodynamic Therapy for Personality Disorders
TFP is a long-term, structured therapy designed to address persistent patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating that contribute to psychological distress and interpersonal challenges. Unlike short-term, skills-based therapies that focus on symptom management, TFP aims for deep personality change. It helps individuals develop a more stable and integrated sense and improve their overall functioning over one to three years.
- Appointments are available Australia-wide via telehealth or in person at the Coffs Harbour clinic.
About TFP
TFP is a well-researched therapy that was developed at Weill Cornell Medical University (New York) for the treatment of personality disorders. TFP seeks to identify and transform deeply ingrained patterns in how one experiences oneself and others and overall personality functioning. This can impact multiple areas of life functioning, including relationships, mood, and employment. TFP has been extensively researched as an effective treatment for borderline and narcissistic personality disorders, and is more broadly suited to individuals who:
- Experience intense, unstable relationships
- Struggle with a sense of identity or emotional dysregulation
- Have been assessed as having borderline, narcissistic, paranoid or complex personality traits
- Struggle with self-esteem regulation, either rigidly maintaining one state or fluctuating between grandiosity and shame.
- Have found short-term, skills-based therapies ineffective
- Are committed to long-term, insight-oriented therapy (minimum one year)
- TFP typically involves two sessions per week for sustained therapeutic change.
Beginning TFP Therapy: A Four-Step Process
Starting therapy with TFP follows a structured process to assess suitability and establish a clear treatment agreement. It’s not simply a matter of choosing to begin; rather, we take a collaborative approach and together evaluate whether TFP is the right fit for you.
Initial 30-Minute
Consultation
A brief screening consultation to discuss your current challenges, explore whether TFP is a good fit, and answer any initial questions.
Clinical Assessment
(90 min to 2 hours)
A comprehensive personality structure assessment using the Structural Interview of Personality Organization (STIPO-R) to clarify emotional patterns, relationships, and identity functioning will be conducted in an extended appointment (up to 2 hours)
Discussion of Findings &
Treatment Contract
One to two sessions are then dedicated to:
- Reviewing the STIPO-R results and discussing key therapeutic themes
- Establishing a structured treatment plan aligned with your goals
- Establishing a therapy contract, outlining expectations and commitment to the process
Ongoing Psychotherapy
( 2x Per Week)
Once the assessment phase is complete, and a treatment agreement is established, TFP therapy formally begins, typically with two 50-minute weekly sessions.
Fees & Commitment
TFP is an intensive, long-term therapy, that requires a minimum 12-month commitment and is designed to achieve meaningful psychological change. Given the commitment involved, it is important to consider and plan for the financial aspects of ongoing treatment before beginning TFP. Standard 50 minute appointments are billed at the rate of $200, while the extended Clinical Assessment is $350. More information can be found on our fees page.
- Appointments are available Australia-wide via telehealth or in person at the Coffs Harbour clinic.