@Former-Member
If what you’re reading about mentalizing here sounds familiar, it’s probably because it is. Lots of therapies tap into the concept/promote mentalizing. The difference within an MBT program, like the one we run at Spectrum, is that mentalizing becomes the primary focus of the work.
Stepping back, however, we know there are increasing numbers of evidence-based treatments that are available for people with BPD, and Andrew has named some of these. What we don’t have a lot of research about is which of these treatments is most suitable for each person with BPD. With this in mind, I would recommend that people explore what options are available to them locally. Within these options I think it is important to try and find a ‘fit’ between how the therapy and therapist understands and approaches your particular situation and how you makes sense of things. Further, research continues to tell us that one of the most important things is to treatment outcome is having a therapist that you feel connected to and understood by. Another thing to hold in mind is that whilst there are some particular differences between some of the BPD treatments available, there are also many things that they appear to have in common. Researchers and clinicians are beginning to wonder whether it is these ‘common factors’ across the treatments that might be what leads to the treatments being helpful.
In terms of useful resources on mentalization-based treatment, a good starting point would be to visit the Anna Freud Centre website. Here there is a good video interview with one of the creators of MBT, Peter Fonagy, that describes some of the concepts behind the therapy.
(https://www.annafreud.org/training/mentalization-based-treatment-training/about-mbt/)
Details of the treatments offered at Spectrum, including our MBT program in Victoria can be found on our website (https://www.spectrumbpd.com.au/treatment-services/spectrum-treatments/mentalization-clinic) as can information about how to access Spectrum’s services or other services in Victoria.
Information about accessing MBT for adolescents within Victoria can also be found on the MBT Australia Association website (https://www.mbtaustraliaassociation.com.au/MBT-projects).
Thinking nationally, the usual ‘find a psychologist’ search engines that people may be familiar with do not have an option to search for an MBT therapist as such. However, there are certainly private clinicians who may list MBT as a modality that they use on their own websites, or if you contact them directly.
There is also a register of practioners who have completed an accredited MBT training pathway, which includes practitioners from Australia who may be able to provide this treatment – (https://www.bpc.org.uk/mbt-roster).
