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Advancing Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder

International Society of Transference-Focused Psychotherapy

Advancing Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder

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Curriculum for Teachers and Supervisors

Summary

This curriculum prepares ISTFP therapists to become teachers and supervisors. The current designation for this level is “Level E” in the latest version of the ISTFP Levels of Certification document. Applicants must be ISTFP members in good standing and up to date with their membership dues.

Completion of the training curriculum is mandatory for all candidates before taking the certification exam to become an ISTFP Teacher & Supervisor. The curriculum consists of four key components:

  1. A theoretical course
  2. Reading of selected books and papers
  3. Co-teaching
  4. Co-supervision

Additionally, candidates must undergo at least two years of continuous TFP supervision, including:

  • A minimum of one case presentation per month (twice-weekly therapy, different from Level C cases)
  • At least 20 hours of case presentations in supervision

Background & Details

After extensive work by a Task Force led by Stephan Doering, the Training and Education Committee has developed a new Training Curriculum for teacher-supervisors. Please note that this program is designed for ISTFP-certified therapists who passed their exam at least two years ago and wish to pursue certification as teachers and supervisors. The curriculum includes one year of co-teaching, preferably within a TFP Training Curriculum, and one year of co-supervision. You’ll find full program details below.

We explicitly invite those of you who are already in the process of becoming an ISTFP teacher and supervisor. For you, this curriculum is not mandatory to apply for the exam, but it is strongly recommended.

Before applying, please ensure that you have the full endorsement of your current supervisors and your TFP regional site head.

This curriculum is dedicated to the techniques and art of teaching and supervision and should not be confused with the standard Training Curriculum that many institutes already offer.

Please don’t take all this process as a horse-race or feel a rush to do it. You have all the time in the world: the curriculum will be offered annually. 

We hope it’s going to be an extraordinary experience for all of us involved.

Documents

An application form is available for those who decide to enroll and should be submitted by March 5, 2025 by email to the chairs of the T&E Committee, Dr. Irene Sarno, PhD and Prof. L. Valenciano, MD. Please note on the application the supporting documents required, and please send all materials together in one email.

Application Form
Training Curriculum
T&S Curriculum Schedule

For the T&E Committee:
Irene Sarno
Luis Valenciano
Stephan Doering

PS: Please understand that the outcome of any exam can be either passing or failing—sometimes due to a bad day, an unfortunate case selection, or other factors. While we recognize that not passing can be frustrating, the best approach is not to take it personally, to move forward, and, if necessary, to try again after further supervision or training.

PS 2: Let’s focus on the process rather than just the outcome. Be welcomed!


Notes: Introductory letter (above, slightly modified) distributed by listserv 7 Feb 2025.

This page updated 13 Feb 2025.

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