Contrary Moves — Mentalization-Based Treatment

An MBT technique in which the therapist offers an alternative perspective opposite to the one in which the client is "stuck". When the client shows rigid, one-sided thinking, the therapist gently suggests considering the situation from another side. The aim — not to convince the client, but to help them restore the flexibility of thinking and the capacity to hold several perspectives at the same time.

Step-by-step guide

Notice that the client is stuck in one extreme perspective (for example, "he hates me", "she did this on purpose")
First validate the client's current perspective: "I understand that this is how you see it"
Gently offer an alternative point of view: "I am curious whether there could be another explanation?"
Help the client consider the "missing angle" — the perspective they are not taking into account
Do not insist on your alternative — use it as an invitation to inquiry
If the client can hold both perspectives — mentalization is restored

When to use

When the client shows black-and-white thinking about the motives of other people
When the client is sure they know exactly what another person thinks or feels
When the client is stuck in an extreme emotional position without the possibility of seeing an alternative

Key phrases

Is there another possible explanation for his behavior?

Follow-up questions

And what if he was not angry, but afraid? How would that change the picture?

I am curious — if I asked him, what would he tell me about what happened?

Alternative phrasings

Are you absolutely sure that she did this deliberately? Could there be something else?

I hear one version. I am curious what the other could be.

Warnings

⚠️ Do not use as a devaluing of the client's experience — the alternative is offered AFTER validation
⚠️ Do not argue with the client — if they are not ready to consider the alternative, step back
⚠️ Do not offer contrary moves at a high level of arousal — the client will take it as an attack

Source: Bateman A.W. Fonagy P. (2016). Mentalization-Based Treatment for Personality Disorders