Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT), with Dr. Anthony W. Bateman, MA, FRCPSYCH and Dr. Peter Fonagy, Ph.D., FBA
Feb 23, 2024
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Dr. Anthony W. Bateman and Dr. Peter Fonagy discuss Mentalization, exploring the capacity to reflect on one's own and others' states of mind. They emphasize the role of beliefs in shaping mental states and the application of Mentalization in therapy for conditions like borderline personality disorder. The podcast also delves into the core principles of Mentalization Based Therapy, the impact of reflective function on attachment relationships, and the differences between transference-focused therapy and MBT.
Mentalization is the capacity to understand own and others' emotions, beliefs, needs, and desires.
MBT therapy emphasizes sustaining doubt and curiosity in therapeutic interactions to promote collaboration and understanding.
Deep dives
Development of Mentalization-Based Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder
Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT) was developed by psychiatrists Dr. Anthony Bateman and Dr. Peter Fornigee for borderline personality disorder treatment. They integrated research expertise and clinical experience to create an approach that focused on understanding reflective function and its impact on therapeutic outcomes with clients.
Personal Backgrounds and Paths to Mental Health
Dr. Fornigee, born in Hungary and a refugee to the UK, shared how his adolescent struggles led to an interest in mental health. Dr. Bateman, from Northern England, transitioned from a veterinary path to psychiatry and psychoanalysis. Both clinicians emphasized the importance of peer group relationships and personal therapy experiences in shaping their careers.
Longitudinal Study on MBT Efficacy
A pivotal study compared MBT to treatment as usual in borderline personality disorder patients over eight years. Results showed significant reduction in suicide attempts and psychiatric medication use in the MBT group. The study highlighted the importance of sustained mentalizing and its impact on long-term stability and relational patterns.
Harnessing Reflective Functioning in Therapy
Reflective functioning, the ability to understand mental states, plays a crucial role in therapist effectiveness. MBT emphasizes maintaining doubt and curiosity in therapeutic interactions, promoting a collaborative and egalitarian stance. Therapists navigate clients' psychic equivalence modes to address certainty and enhance mentalizing. The therapy's focus on relational mentalizing allows for improved understanding and adaptive responses in the therapeutic process.
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Anthony W. Bateman and Dr. Peter Fonagy to discuss their expertise on Mentalization.
Mentalization refers to the capacity to reflect upon and understand one's own state of mind and the states of mind of others. This involves recognizing and making sense of one's own and others’ emotions, beliefs, needs and desires. People use this tool consciously and unconsciously to make sense of others and themselves. Often done automatically, a person may form beliefs about the people they interact with, making assumptions about their mental states. These beliefs tend to have a strong influence on the mental state of the person, whether or not they are correct.
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