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Didactic Training Recording
STIPO-R: Structured Interview Of Personality Organization-Revised
Faculty
Training was originally conducted on
Q&A session was conducted
FORMAT & LANGUAGE
Instructor of Psychology in Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College | Senior Research Associate at The Personality Disorders Institute
Conducted in English
Julia Sowislo, PhD
June 22–23, 2024
July, 5, 2024
5-7 PM
Recording of the online training
An in-depth understanding and assessment of the personality along the entire continuum from normal to severe pathology. Based on the object relations theory of Otto Kernberg, MD, in accordance with the latest editions of DSM-5 (Section III) and ICD-11
Therapy without an accurate diagnosis of the patient is unproductive work. Each level of personality organization has its own modification of therapy.
Mastery of the STIPO-R is the ability to accurately assess the level of personality organization or PO /healthy, neurotic, high borderline PO, mid-level borderline PO, low borderline PO, or psychotic level/ and personality types that particularly affect the prognosis of therapy and its frame.

This is the approach to diagnosis used in the latest versions of DSM-5 (Section III) and ICD-11.
WHAT IS STIPO-R?
In the TFP model, psychotherapy begins only after a diagnostic assessment has been completed. Therapists who do not have a comprehensive clinical diagnostic background, typically gained in hospitals, may struggle to accurately assess patients.

Mastering the STIPO-R resolves this issue. In a brief amount of time, a diagnostic semi-structured interview evaluates the patient's functioning in five domains and twelve subdomains.

Without a precise diagnosis, especially in terms of determining the level of personality organization, effective treatment becomes unattainable.

The validity of STIPO and STIPO-R is established by extensive and dependable research

English version
Italian version
German version
Stern, B. L., Caligor, E., Clarkin, J. F., Critchfield, K. L., H€orz, S., Maccornack, V., Lenzenweger, M. F., & Kernberg, O. F. (2010). Structured Interview of Personality Organization (STIPO): Preliminary psychometrics in a clinical sample. Journal of Personality Assessment, 92, 35–44.
Preti, E., Prunas, A., Sarno, I., & De Panfilis, C. (2012). Proprieta psicometriche della STIPO [Psychometric properties of the STIPO]. In F. Madeddu & E. Preti (Eds.), La diagnosi strutturale di personalita secondo il modello di O.F. Kernberg. La versione italiana della Structured Interview of Personality Organization [Structural diagnosis of personality according to O.F. Kernberg’s model. The Italian version of the Structured Interview of Personality Organization] (pp. 59–84). Milano, Italy: Raffaello Cortina.
Doering, S., Burgmer, M., Heuft, G., Menke, D., Baumer, B., Lubking, M., ... Schneider, G. (2013). Reliability and validity of the German version of the Structured Interview of Personality Organization (STIPO). BMC Psychiatry, 13, 210.
STIPO was developed and introduced into clinical practice by notable professionals of our time: John Clarkin, PhD, Eve Caligor, MD, Barry Stern, PhD, and Otto Kernberg, MD
It has been observed that these specialists are decades ahead of the general standard of psychotherapy that is widely practiced. Their innovations tend to become widely adopted 10-20 years later.
The STIPO-R is the first and only empirically validated diagnostic method currently available that allows for a clear differential diagnosis between levels of severity of the disorder (as required by our clinical practice, as well as ICD-11 and DSM-5, Section III)
The most recent study, published in April 2024, was conducted by Marco Biberdzic, Julia Sowislo, and others. The study involved 764 adult participants in two clinical and two non-clinical groups. The study has reliably confirmed that the STIPO-R can be used to accurately determine the severity of the disorder and assign an individual to one of five groups: healthy personality functioning, maladaptive personality rigidity (neurotic level), as well as mild, moderate, and low levels of personality pathology (three severity levels of the borderline level).
The most recent research
Julia Sowislo, Ph.D.
Instructor of Psychology in Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College
faculty
Senior Research Associate at The Personality Disorders Institute of New York Presbyterian Hospital. She received a PhD from the University of Basel and is licensed as a psychodynamic psychotherapist in Switzerland.

Julia Sowislo has conducted over 300 STIPO-R interviews and is a co-author of the largest study on the empirical validity of this diagnostic method.
video interview
We recorded a video with the training instructor, in which she shares her valuable knowledge and experience
It will help you see how STIPO can improve your professional practice. This video will provide you with a concise overview of what to expect at the seminar and assist you in making an informed decision about participating in it.

Each training day of the seminar will consist of three 1.5-hour blocks, with two 30-minute breaks between them

The training will consist of theoretical material, practical components such as studying videos of STIPO with various types of patients, and Q&A sessions.
sullabus
Day 1
June 22, 2024
12:45-18:30

London time
Day 2
June 23, 2024
12:45-18:30

London time
Q&A session
July 5, 2024
17:00-19:00

Q&A session with participants
The practical value of STIPO-R includes
Systematization of diagnostics
Coping with vague patient responses
A deep understanding of patient functioning
Recognizing defense mechanisms
STIPO-R offers a structured approach to collecting information. This approach minimizes the impact of vague patient responses by providing clearly defined questions and criteria for clarification and evaluation of responses, greatly facilitating diagnosis.
The STIPO-R interview was developed with the intention of providing a comprehensive understanding of the patient's inner world and functionality in daily life.This allows for a thorough perception of the patient's personality and issues.
The systematic STIPO-R approach helps therapists identify patients' defense mechanisms more easily, distinguishing them from actual functioning characteristics. This is key to developing an effective treatment plan.
Efficiency and trust are key factors
The confidence of therapists is greatly enhanced by STIPO-R
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The STIPO-R enhances the diagnostic process for psychotherapists by introducing consistency and objectivity. Developed over many years of research, this tool allows for accurate diagnoses based on a proven methodology, addressing the issue of subjectivity in evaluating a patient's condition.
A quick and accurate diagnosis using STIPO-R not only saves time for both the patient and therapist, but also assists in prescribing the correct treatment from the beginning. This ultimately builds trust in the therapist and lowers the chances of therapy discontinuation.
STIPO-R offers a clear diagnostic structure and methodology. This boosts their confidence in their professional skills and ability to analyze patients' conditions thoroughly.
Distinguishing between neurotic and borderline personality organizations
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The STIPO-R effectively helps therapists identify and differentiate between neurotic and various levels of borderline personality organizations, which is crucial for selecting the proper course of therapy.
The Q&A session with Julia Sovislo takes place two weeks after the main seminar
This session is specifically designed to provide you with the opportunity to test the knowledge you acquired during the training in real practice conditions. It will allow you to gain practical experience, formulate specific questions that have arisen during the process, andreceive qualified answers and recommendations upon your return.

Who will benefit from the training?

The seminar is essential for therapists who are learning Transference Focused Psychotherapy, as it guarantees that the initial phase, prior to the start of therapy, will be conducted correctly. Based on the results of the diagnostic assessment, therapists will be able to clearly discuss the diagnosis, establish a therapeutic contract with the necessary conditions, and begin the psychotherapy process.

The workshop is particularly important for professionals who wish to master a systematic approach to analyzing their patients' personality structures, including distinguishing between neurotic and borderline personality organizations. It will also be beneficial for those looking to enhance their skills in making precise diagnoses and creating effective treatment plans through a comprehensive understanding of their patients' mental functioning.
Psychotherapists from different modalities, including psychodynamic therapists, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals, are seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in diagnosing and treating personality disorders, which are the primary cause of clinical symptoms related to anxiety and depression.

Discover new growth opportunities for yourself

Access to the training recording
Access to the training recording
$600
Package include:
Access to the seminar recording for 12 months
Didactic papers including full STIPO-R and articles
Personalized electronic certificate
Payment via:

What participants of previous seminars say about us

Psychologist
Olga Puziichuk
I am deeply grateful for the One-year Training Program on Personality Disorders with Otto Kernberg, MD. The depth of knowledge I gained exceeded my expectations, as did the overall quality of the program’s organization. I have no criticisms—only a strong desire to continue collaborating with the Ukrainian Institute for Personality Disorders Studies and to recommend it to my colleagues.
The program was highly informative and valuable. Studying with Dr. Otto Kernberg felt like a fortunate encounter with something profound and significant—beyond just acquiring knowledge. I sincerely thank Dr. Kernberg and the program organizers for this meaningful experience.
Anna Lil-Bezak
Psychologist, lecturer at a higher education institution, philologist
Psychologist
Yuliia Stadnyk
Thank you very much for such a deep and important course. I especially want to emphasize the thoughtful design, both in terms of topics and materials, as well as the seminar structure (lecture – supervision – lecture – questions). This format provides high-quality theoretical knowledge, access to materials, answers to questions, and the opportunity to observe the approach in practice. Dr. Kernberg’s supervisions are invaluable.
I am deeply grateful to the TFP Association for the unique and highly valuable chance to learn from Dr. Otto Kernberg. Each workshop was incredibly engaging and profoundly inspiring. During supervision sessions, I gained many important insights that I have already begun to apply in practice. This training has been a true resource and support for my professional development. I sincerely thank everyone involved for creating a space of growth, depth, and inspiration.
Yuliia Novosadova
Psychologist
You are truly the most professional and well-organized team I’ve encountered in psychological education.
Anna Polyakova
Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT)
Psychologist, Sexologist
Lana Zorina
The difference in teaching style compared to what I’ve experienced in Ukraine is striking. The quality of the material and the clarity of its presentation are truly impressive.
Thank you for the chance to expand my professional knowledge and gain experience through the teachings of Otto Kernberg, MD. It was a rare privilege to learn from a true legend of our time. I also want to express my gratitude for the well-organized structure of the program.
Iryna Rozina
Ph.D. in Psychology, Associate Professor, Psychotherapist
Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, Accredited Gestalt Therapist, Supervisor
Olga Zahariichuk
I appreciated the program very much. I am sincerely grateful to the organizers for the opportunity to learn from Dr. Otto Kernberg and to become more familiar with the TFP method through the supervision sessions.
I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to learn from Dr. Otto Kernberg, a leading figure in psychiatry and psychology. This seminar was both highly informative and well-structured. It enriched my therapeutic skills with new knowledge and practical recommendations.
Having access to the video recordings was especially convenient, allowing me to review the material, reinforce my learning, and take detailed notes. I gained a clearer understanding of subtle clinical nuances, which has immediately improved my work with patients.
I also want to commend the impeccable organization and ongoing informational support. I highly recommend this training to anyone seeking to enhance their professional expertise.
Iryna Khrysanfova
Psychologist, Psychotherapist
The course turned out to be more valuable than I had expected. Of course, hearing a clear and accessible explanation of personality disorders directly from Dr. Otto Kernberg was already of great significance. But observing how he conducts supervision—how he approaches each case, how he thinks through clinical problems—was exceptionally instructive.
I would like to thank the organizers and interpreters. Having access to both English and Ukrainian recordings was the best possible arrangement in this context. The translation was remarkably accurate, which is especially important.
I also appreciated the clear organization and the care taken to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment. Thank you for the in-depth knowledge and meaningful experience.
Liudmyla Mezentseva
Psychologist
Great organization and the seminar itself! I look forward to the next event ❤️ Many thanks to Oleksiy and Dr. Yeomans, and everyone involved!
Cool organization, translators and special satisfaction from a clear setting
Thank you very much, Oleksiy, for this opportunity, and special thanks for the organization!
Thank you very much, highly topical program, very interesting and saturated materials. There is something to think about. and special thanks for the articles!
I also want to thank you for the excellently organized, very useful and informative training, professional work of the translators. I look forward to further actions
Thanks to Frank Yeomans for valuable communication, desire to provide knowledge, sincerity and correctness in communication
I also thank Oleksiy very much for the opportunity to learn from such an incredible specialist! I am in awe of the way Dr. Yeomans works with clients, his acceptance of clients and the way he is able to articulate complex things gently. Incredible organization, great translators! I'll back you up for the next module!
I join my colleagues - a great organization, thank you, Oleksiy! And an excellent translation. Great gratitude to Dr. Yeomans for sharing his knowledge and experience. Worth it!
Organizers can be narcissistically admired. Everything is perfect. Many thanks! I look forward to the next seminars. Everything is very collegial, accessible, clinically useful
I am sincerely grateful for the high level of organization and the thoughtful attention given to participants. The event was excellently coordinated—with clear scheduling, a user-friendly streaming format, and reliable technical support. I especially appreciated the professionalism of the moderation and the responsiveness to participants’ questions. The materials were provided in a timely manner, which greatly supported deeper engagement with the topic. Thank you for the chance to be part of such a meaningful event within the analytic community.
This was a valuable chance to learn from real clinical experience—clearly presented and illustrated with practical examples. I was also struck by Dr. Kernberg’s sense of humor. I always find myself listening with full attention.
The entire program was exceptionally well structured and delivered. The coordination, participant support, and thoughtful guidance throughout the course were all carefully managed. Studying with a master of the field felt like both a personal challenge and an invitation to grow and deepen my knowledge. Thank you.
Thank you for the seminar and especially for such an interesting analysis of supervisions already on the 1st module. This clearly shows the method. And I`m ready to go to the next module!
Dear Larissa and the Ukrainian team! Thank you for the excellent course! It was very well organized, high level psychotherapy education. I’m very happy to participate. And my heart is with Ukranian people!
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Find the answers to your questions

Lemeshchuk Oleksii Vadymovych
TIN 2767410316
Unified State Register Entry No. 25560170000011974
Date of making an entry into the Unified State Register: 21.04.2005