What is it?
Mentalisation-based therapy is a type of long-term psychotherapy.
Helps to make sense of our thoughts, beliefs, wishes and feelings.
Mentalisation underpins all human relationships.
MBT allows you to focus on what is going on in your mind & minds of others.
Here's more detail
Description
Mentalisation-based therapy (MBT) is a form of long-term psychotherapy (talk therapy) that centers on the ability to “think about thinking,” or mentalisation. This skill helps individuals make sense of their thoughts, beliefs, desires, and emotions, and connect these mental processes to their actions and behaviors.
Mentalisation is a natural ability that everyone uses in daily life and is fundamental to all human relationships. However, some people may struggle with mentalising in certain situations.
The goal of MBT is to enhance a person’s mentalisation capacity. The therapy focuses on understanding what is happening in their own mind and in the minds of others, and uses this insight to address and reduce problematic behaviours.
What is the theory behind MBT?
What is the theory behind MBT?
The theory behind Mentalisation-Based Therapy (MBT) is that understanding and interpreting mental states—such as thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and desires—is essential for emotional regulation and healthy relationships. MBT focuses on enhancing mentalisation, the ability to think about and interpret these internal states, which helps individuals manage their emotions and navigate social interactions more effectively.
Influenced by attachment theory, MBT recognises that early relationships shape our capacity to mentalise, with secure attachments fostering better mentalisation skills. It also incorporates a developmental perspective, addressing disruptions caused by trauma or stress, and emphasises empathy, self-awareness, mindfulness, and reflection.
What to expect from MBT?
- Assessment
During an assessment for MBT you will meet with your therapist to understand what your difficulties are and to consider the most appropriate treatment.
You will look at how your difficulties have developed, what keeps them going and what treatments you have had to date.
You might be asked to complete questionnaires during the assessment that help you and your therapist to monitor the progress of your work together over time.
- What might an MBT session look like?
During mentalisation-based therapy sessions you focus on difficulties in your current life situation to improve your understanding of yourself and others. You focus on what is going on in your mind and think about what might be going on in other peoples’ minds, particularly in situations which may cause a strong emotional reaction and problematic behaviours.
When you focus on understanding your own and other people’s thoughts and feelings, MBT can help you to better understand and control your impulses, emotions and behaviours. This can improve your relationships with other people.
MBT therapy sessions can be individual, group or a combination of both.
- Length of treatment
Mentalisation-Based Therapy (MBT) is typically offered over a period of several months to a few years, depending on the individual’s needs and the specific treatment setting.
Fact
MBT was developed by Peter Fonagy, psychoanalyst and clinical psychologist, and Anthony Bateman, consultant psychiatrist and psychotherapist. It was originally designed for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD).
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What issues can MBT help with?
MBT was initially developed for the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), but it is now being used for a wide range of disorders. These include:
- borderline personality disorder
- other personality disorders
- eating disorders
- depression
- trauma
- drug addiction
Mentalisation-Based Therapy (MBT) is especially beneficial for individuals struggling with long-term relationship difficulties and experiencing intense emotional distress and overwhelming feelings, which may lead to destructive behaviors like self-harm or aggression.
It is also useful for those who have trouble trusting others and find it challenging to understand or read other people’s reactions. MBT can be used to support children, young people, and families dealing with psychological difficulties.
Pros and cons of MBT
Research studies indicate that MBT is effective in supporting a range of conditions however, it is not for everyone. It is important to talk with a mental health professional to determine if it’s the right fit for you and your loved ones.
- Pros
Improves Emotional Regulation: MBT helps individuals understand and manage their emotions more effectively, which can reduce symptoms of emotional distress.
Enhances Interpersonal Relationships: By improving the ability to interpret and respond to others’ mental states, MBT can lead to healthier and more stable relationships.
Effective for Personality Disorders: Research shows MBT is particularly effective for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and other conditions involving emotional dysregulation and relationship difficulties.
Supports Self-Awareness: The therapy fosters greater self-awareness and insight into one’s own thoughts and feelings, which can lead to personal growth.
Adaptable: MBT can be adapted for different age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults, and can be used in individual, group, or family settings.
Evidence-Based: There is substantial research supporting the efficacy of MBT in improving emotional regulation and reducing symptoms of various psychological disorders.
- Cons
Time-Intensive: MBT typically requires a long-term commitment, often lasting several months to years, which may be challenging for some individuals.
Requires Consistency: The effectiveness of MBT depends on regular attendance and active participation, which can be difficult for some people. MBT is not a short-term solution and may not provide immediate relief, requiring patience and persistence.
May Not Suit Everyone: MBT may not be suitable for individuals who are not ready to engage in self-reflection or who struggle with the cognitive demands of understanding mental states.
Voice
Mentalizing is the process of making sense of self and others in terms of underlying mental states. It is what we do when we are imagining what might be going on in the mind of someone, underneath the behaviour that we see on the outside. Mentalizing is a uniquely human process, and it is something that we do automatically, often without conscious thought in our every-day social interactions.
How can I access MBT?
How can I access MBT?
Accessing family therapy in the UK can be done through several avenues, depending on your needs and circumstances.
1. NHS Services: NHS Services: MBT is available through some NHS services, especially for conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Your GP can refer you to a local NHS mental health team or community mental health service that might offer MBT.
2. Private Therapy: MBT requires specific training and specialist skills to deliver it safely and competently. Anna Freud have a list of qualified of MBT practitioners on their website.
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