Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT)

Mentalization is the way that we understand other people’s emotions, thoughts, desires, beliefs, and intentions. Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) is a therapeutic approach that aims to increase the ability to mentalize using a manual-based psychodynamic therapy. This evidence-based approach developed at the Anna Freud Institute in London, is designed to assist people in four main goals:

• to achieve better behavioral control
• to increase affect regulation
• to develop more intimate and gratifying relationships
• to have the ability to pursue life goals. Research shows that the majority of relapses occur after a negative interpersonal incident

Because MBT significantly improves individuals’ understanding of interpersonal exchanges, it can be very effective in reducing relapse.