Mentalizing is the ability to understand both our own behaviour and that of others by considering underlying thoughts, emotions, intentions, and desires.
What is mentalization?
Understanding ourselves and others
Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT), originally developed for adults, has been adapted for adolescents and children facing emotional and behavioural challenges such as anxiety, depression, and relational difficulties.
By enhancing our mentalizing skills, we can interpret others’ reactions more accurately and compassionately, while also increasing self-awareness by reflecting on our own emotions and responses.
Strengthening this capacity to see multiple perspectives and regulate emotions helps foster healthier, more stable relationships—whether in personal life, within families, or in professional settings.
Mentalization in psychotherapy
Development of mentalizing
Mentalizing develops early in life through secure attachment relationships. When caregivers respond to a child’s emotions in an attuned and reflective way, the child gradually learns to understand their own inner experiences and the minds of others.
Difficulties in mentalizing
Experiences such as trauma or insecure attachment can disrupt this process. Difficulties in mentalizing may appear as impulsive reactions, trouble distinguishing thoughts from reality, relational conflicts, and problems regulating emotions.
Mentalizing and psychotherapy
Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) helps individuals strengthen their ability to understand their own thoughts and emotions, reflect on others’ perspectives, and improve relationships.
Mentalizing theory
Mentalizing is a dynamic capacity that can weaken under stress or inconsistent caregiving, affecting the sense of self. The “alien self” describes confusing or intrusive internal experiences. When mentalizing collapses, emotional regulation and relationships suffer. Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) helps restore reflective functioning, reduce harmful behaviours, and improve emotional and relational stability.
