Mental-Based Therapy (MBT) is a therapeutic focus developed by Fonagy and Bateman.
The ability to mentalise is the process by means of which we understand our own mind and the minds of others, based on mental states (intentions, feelings, thoughts, desires and beliefs) in order to give meaning and anticipate people’s actions. Mentalisation (or reflexive function) implies the ability to contain, regulate, experience and give meaning to emotions and feelings.
Mental-based therapy aims to better understand our own emotions, and those of others. With this greater connection between feelings and thoughts, one’s own behaviour becomes more appropriate, and it leads to more satisfactory relationships with others.