Transference-Focused Psychotherapy for Borderline Personality Disorder: A Comprehensive Clinical Guide

Authored by Frank E. Yeomans, this insightful manual presents a cutting-edge model of borderline personality disorder (BPD) treatment, rooted in contemporary psychoanalytic object relations theory as developed by renowned expert Otto Kernberg, M.D. The comprehensive guide is enriched with phenomenological and neurobiological research, and grounded in real-world case studies that illustrate principles of intervention.

A Model for Borderline Pathology and Treatment Planning

The book provides clinicians with a fundamental understanding of borderline pathology, essential for expert assessment and treatment planning. The authors delve into the empirical foundations and specific therapeutic strategies of transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP), ensuring a deeper comprehension of the complex disorder.

Clinical Assessment and Treatment Selection

The manual guides clinicians on how to select the most effective treatment approach based on the level of personality organization, symptoms, and areas of compromised functioning. By examining the patient’s subjective experience, observable behaviors, and psychological structures, clinicians can develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to the patient’s unique needs.

Establishing the Conditions of Treatment

The authors emphasize the importance of negotiating a verbal treatment contract or understanding with the patient, outlining the responsibilities of both participants and defining the therapeutic relationship. This crucial step sets the stage for a successful treatment outcome.

Treatment Interventions and Addressing Clinical Challenges

The manual provides in-depth guidance on techniques of treatment interventions, equipping therapists to employ the four primary techniques of TFP: interpretation, transference analysis, technical neutrality, and use of countertransference. The authors address common clinical challenges, offering strategies for navigating complex therapeutic situations.

Long-Term Treatment and Personality Change

The book covers the predictable phases of long-term treatment, including the early, middle, and late stages, enabling clinicians to anticipate and address common challenges. By understanding the trajectory of treatment, therapists can facilitate meaningful symptom amelioration and personality change.

Supplementary Online Resources

The manual is accompanied by instructive online videos that demonstrate various clinical situations, providing clinicians with a deeper understanding of assessment and critical therapeutic strategies.

Transference-Focused Psychotherapy for Borderline Personality Disorder: A Clinical Guide is an indispensable resource for mental health professionals seeking to provide thoughtful, effective care to individuals with BPD. By recognizing the unique treatment challenges presented by each patient, this comprehensive guide offers a beacon of hope for improved treatment outcomes.