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Chapter 16 - Working with Couples

from Part IV - Application of Mentalization-Based Treatment in Different Populations and in Different Settings

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 May 2023

Anthony Bateman ,
Peter Fonagy ,
Chloe Campbell ,
Patrick Luyten  and
Martin Debbané
Anthony Bateman
Affiliation:
Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London
Peter Fonagy
Affiliation:
University College London
Chloe Campbell
Affiliation:
University College London
Patrick Luyten
Affiliation:
University College London
Martin Debbané
Affiliation:
University College London
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Summary

Interactive mentalizing is a problem for couples who are struggling to relate to each other constructively. Mentalization-based treatment for couples (MBT-CO) is a structured intervention that targets the ability to see things from the other person’s perspective, and the recovery of epistemic trust. Initially couples are asked to identify their own problems in the relationship and then to try to consider their partner’s perspective. The clinician supports discussion between them from the different perspectives, and strengthens their capacity to see things from alternative viewpoints. The aim is to enhance interactive mentalizing in the relationship so that the partners are able to maintain a balance between closeness and the erotically charged “otherness” that generates sexual intimacy and pleasure.

Keywords

couplesepistemic trustinteractive mentalizingMBT-COMBT for couplesmentalizing
Type
Chapter
Information
Cambridge Guide to Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) , pp. 347 - 352
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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References

Bleiberg, E, Safier, E. Couples therapy. In: Bateman, A, Fonagy, P, eds. Handbook of Mentalizing in Mental Health Practice, 2nd ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association Publishing, 2019; 151–68.Google Scholar
Perel, E. Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence. New York, NY: HarperCollins, 2006.Google Scholar
Lerner, H. Why Won’t You Apologize? Healing Everyday Hurts and Big Betrayals. New York, NY: Gallery Books, 2017.Google Scholar

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