Specific interventions for group MBT therapy in which the group is used as a living laboratory for developing interpersonal mentalization. The key ingredient — a structure of taking turns to speak, in which 2–3 participants inquire into interpersonal events, and the rest take part as responsible partners. The group creates the conditions for the development of epistemic trust and mentalization in real time.
Step-by-step guide
- Establish the rules of the group: safety, respect, curiosity about each other's perspectives
- At the start of the session identify 2–3 participants who want to inquire into an interpersonal event
- The speaker tells about the situation; the leader helps them to mentalize
- Other participants are invited to inquire: "What do you think they felt?"
- The leader tracks failures of mentalization in the group and gently brings the process back
- Use moments of tension between participants as material for mentalization
- At the end — joint reflection on the process
When to use
- Within a structured MBT-G program (usually 1/week, in parallel with individual therapy)
- To develop the skills of interpersonal mentalization in real time
- When the client finds it hard to carry the experience from individual therapy into real life
Key phrases
What do you think Maria felt while you were telling this?
Follow-up questions
Why, do you think, Anton reacted that way?
What was the hardest thing for you in today's session?
Alternative phrasings
I notice that something has tightened in the group right now. Who noticed what?
You heard the feedback from the group. How is that for you?
Warnings
- ⚠️ The leader must actively manage the level of arousal in the group
- ⚠️ Do not let the group turn into "advisors" — focus on inquiry, not on solutions
- ⚠️ Watch safety: some participants may regress in a group context
- ⚠️ On loss of mentalization in several participants at once — use "stop and stand" for the whole group
Source: Bateman A.W. Fonagy P. (2016); Bateman A.W. (2023). Cambridge Guide to Mentalization-Based Treatment
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.