What is mentalization supporting therapy (MST)? : a metacognitive-psychotherapeutic approach based on developmental psychology

Kurzfassung/Abstract

Mentalization supporting therapy (MST) is a further development of the Strategic Behavioural Therapy SBT. Two new modules will be added to their therapy modules: Emotion Tracking - an adaptation of Albert Pesso's microtracking for use in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - and Mentalization support - an adaptation of the MBT questioning technique. While the mentalization-based therapy MBT is a therapy method based on psychoanalysis within psychodynamic therapy, the mentalization module of the MST is a cognitive-behavioural instrument for building a reality-based theory of mind (TOM). These two modules have become the core of the MST and are therefore one general psychotherapeutic basic competence, which in our opinion should not be missing in any therapy. The treatment progresses from Module 1: Establishing a secure attachment in the therapeutic relationship to Module 2: Extracting the dysfunctional survival rule from childhood injuries and transforming it into a permission-giving rule of life, and then on to Module 3: Noticing and accepting feelings through mindfulness. Then come the two new modules mentioned (Emotion tracking and Mentalization support), followed by the two development modules (6. development from the affect level to the thinking level and 7. development from the thinking level to the empathy level, the goal of which is functional affect regulation and relationship skills in the sense of empathy and compassion.).