Mentalisation based therapy

(MBT)

Mentalisation based therapy (MBT) is an evidence based integrative type of psychotherapy that brings together aspects of CBT, psychodynamic, systemic and ecological therapy approaches.

Although it can help other mental health issues, MBT treatment MBT was originally developed by Peter Fonagy and Anthony Bateman for the treatment of borderline personality disorder.

MBT helps individuals develop their capacity for mentalisation, or the ability to understand and reflect on their own and others' mental states, such as thoughts, feelings, and intentions. It is particularly useful for individuals who have difficulties with mentalisation, such as those with borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship is an important first step in allowing MBT to be most effective, so an individual feels safe while talking about deeply personal topics.

Although there may be other complexity to understanding a person’s difficulties, very often a person's inability to mentalize stems from an insecure attachment to a parent, or abandonment issues early in life. MBT helps a person to differentiate between their own thoughts and feelings and those of others.

In a MBT programme, MBT programme, individuals will learn about and practise mentalizing skills together with the therapist.

Main aims of MBT include:

- Experiencing a more stable sense of who you are

- Increasing emotional resilience and regulation

- Being able to recover quicker after high levels of emotions are experienced

- Make better sense of other people

Who does MBT help?

MBT has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD), including self-harm, impulsivity, and unstable relationships. It can also be helpful for individuals with other mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders, who may have difficulty with mentalisation.

We make finding the right therapist easy.

At My Therapist Online, we listen to the problems you are facing and match you with the right therapist for your individual needs. You can meet with them for a free initial consultation to be sure it is a good match before starting your therapy.