Mentalization Skills in Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)

About this training

Mentalizing – attending to mental states in oneself and others in order to understand intention and behaviour – has been described as “the most fundamental common factor among psychotherapeutic techniques”.

This workshop is aimed at IPT practitioners and supervisors with an interest in exploring and consolidating their use of Mentalization techniques in IPT and therapists using Mentalization based treatment who would like to know more about IPT.

Knowledge of Mentalization or IPT techniques is not assumed and a concise introduction to the key ideas underpinning Mentalization and their relevance for IPT practice will be covered. This workshop will employ a combination of didactic teaching, discussion of clinical illustrations, demonstrations as well as participant and tutor led role-plays.

Listen to 'Interpreting the Dodo Bird' podcast by Professor Peter Fonagy here. 

Please note, Peter Fonagy teaches, on average for half-day on this training course rather than the full duration of the training. At times, due to unforeseen circumstances his teaching time is reduced. The training is led by other experienced trainers. Anna Freud reserves the right to change speakers without notice.

Aims of the training

• To explain and develop skills in the practical applications of mentalization based therapy techniques in the IPT framework.

• To recognise breaks in mentalization in therapists and clients.

• To implement techniques for restoring mentalization in patients following practice in role plays.

Who is this training for?

This course is suitable for: IPT practitioners and supervisors, and therapists and supervisors in Mentalization-Based Treatments.