Mentalizing In Child Therapy

Mentalization-based child therapy, previously known as developmental therapy, is the latest branch on the psychoanalytic tree of knowledge. It comprises a number of techniques that address deficiencies in specific areas of psychological development. It aims to treat children whose development has come to a standstill. A combination of data from psychoanalysis, infant research, attachment research, and neurobiology was of decisive significance in reaching this point. It is becoming clear that neurobiological processes can be understood very well on the basis of psychoanalytic frameworks. These new insights into peoples mental functioning also serve to foster collaboration, resulting in an integration of the more relationship-oriented and the more competence oriented treatments. This book aims to fill a growing need in mental health care for children and young people to recieve an integrated treatment.

Mentalization-based child therapy, previously known as developmental therapy, is the latest branch on the psychoanalytic tree of knowledge. It comprises a number of techniques that address deficiencies in specific areas of psychological development. It aims to treat children whose development has come to a standstill. A combination of data from psychoanalysis, infant research, attachment research, and neurobiology was of decisive significance in reaching this point. It is becoming clear that neurobiological processes can be understood very well on the basis of psychoanalytic frameworks. These new insights into peoples mental functioning also serve to foster collaboration, resulting in an integration of the more relationship-oriented and the more competence oriented treatments. This book aims to fill a growing need in mental health care for children and young people to recieve an integrated treatment.

Mentalizing in Child Therapy focuses on open-ended psychotherapy for children with complex mental health issues and attachment problems. It offers examples of personalized and integrated treatment that is "firm in structure yet flexible in its focus" (Peter Fonagy, foreword to first edition). The book is based on the systematic observation of the treatment of complex problems in children (4-12 years) using a mentalizing therapeutic stance and a range of techniques to enhance mentalizing abilities and trust in other people, incorporating aspects of the more relationship-oriented and competence-oriented treatments. In this updated edition, the authors have elaborated on the topic of attention regulation, having included Siegel’s concept of the ‘window of tolerance’. They’ve also written more on the mentalizing abilities of the therapist, the importance of providing structure at the beginning of the treatment, and the value of communication for developing epistemic trust. Featuring guidelines for clinical practitioners, this book is important for the clinical training of child psychotherapists, as well as for professional child psychiatrists, child psychologists and other therapists working with four to 12-year-old children experiencing significant developmental problems with mentalizing.

What is 'mentalization'? How can this concept be applied to clinical work with children, young people and families? What will help therapists working with children and families to 'keep the mind in mind'? Why does it matter if a parent can 'see themselves from the outside, and their child from the inside'? Minding the Child considers the implications of the concept of mentalization for a range of therapeutic interventions with children and families. Mentalization, and the empirical research which has supported it, now plays a significant role in a range of psychotherapies for adults. In this book we see how these rich ideas about the development of the self and interpersonal relatedness can help to foster the emotional well-being of children and young people in clinical practice and a range of other settings. With contributions from a range of international experts, the three main sections of the book explore: • the concept of mentalization from a theoretical and research perspective • the value of mentalization-based interventions within child mental health services • the application of mentalizing ideas to work in community settings. Minding the Child will be of particular interest to clinicians and those working therapeutically with children and families, but it will also be of interest to academics and students interested in child and adolescent mental health, developmental psychology and the study of social cognition.

"Mentalizing in Child Therapy focuses on open-ended psychotherapy for children with complex mental health issues and attachment problems. It offers examples of personalized and integrated treatment that is "firm in structure yet flexible in its focus" (Peter Fonagy, foreword to first edition). The book is based on the systematic observation of the treatment of complex problems in children (4-12 years) using a mentalizing therapeutic stance and a range of techniques to enhance mentalizing abilities and trust in other people, incorporating aspects of the more relationship-oriented and competence-oriented treatments. In this updated edition, the authors have elaborated on the topic of attention regulation, having included Siegel's concept of the 'window of tolerance'. They've also written more on the mentalizing abilities of the therapist, the importance of providing structure at the beginning of the treatment, and the value of communication for developing epistemic trust. Featuring guidelines for clinical practitioners, this book is important for the clinical training of child psychotherapists, as well as for professional child psychiatrists, child psychologists and other therapists working with four to 12-year-old children experiencing significant developmental problems with mentalizing"--

New in paperback. This book is the first comprehensive clinical introduction to using Mentalization-based treatment (MBT) with children, 5-12 years old.

Examining clinical practice with families through a mentalizing lens, this innovative book is filled with practical therapeutic strategies and in-depth case illustrations. The expert authors focus on ways to help parents, children, and adolescents to overcome blocks in how they relate to one another by gaining a deeper understanding of--and openness to--each other's experiences and points of view. The volume draws on the empirically supported mentalization-based treatment (MBT) model and interweaves it with systemic concepts and interventions. It includes guidance for setting up sessions and engaging clients; addressing emotional and behavioral difficulties that frequently lead families to seek treatment; and implementing playful activities, exercises, and games that equip family members to change problematic relationship patterns.