Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) for Reflective Fostering

Prior to starting Reflective Fostering training, it is essential to have a working knowledge of mentalization. Complete the self-guided online training “An Introduction to Mentalizing and Mentalization Based Treatments with Children, Young People and Families” (MBT CYP). You will gain access to MBT CYP one month before your Reflective Fostering training begins. This self-paced training spans six hours, covering crucial topics such as mentalizing concepts, effective and ineffective mentalizing, and the mentalizing stance in Mentalization Based Treatments. Successful completion is crucial for maximising the benefits of your MBT-Reflective Parenting training. If, for any reason, you require access to the training sooner than one month prior to the training start date, please let us know and we will be able to grant you access. 

Upon completing the online MBT CYP and Reflective Fostering training, you'll gain a robust understanding of mentalizing theory and its application using the Reflective model with foster carers. You'll acquire collaborative skills to work effectively with foster carers, adopters, and professionals in Looked After Children Services, fostering mentalizing and enhancing attachment security. We hope you will apply this knowledge across diverse settings in your current practice. 

For those aspiring to become registered Reflective Fostering practitioners, ongoing support and consultation are essential. This ensures continuous development of your Reflective Fostering techniques and strengthens your ability to maintain a mentalizing stance when working with carers, adoptive parents, and CLA professionals. 

Becoming a Reflective Fostering Practitioner involves the following steps after completing the MBT CYP and MBT-Reflective Fostering online training: 

• Express your intent to run a group and collaborate with your line manager to identify a suitable group of parents, preferably foster carers with children aged 4-11 facing behavioural difficulties

• Coordinate with RF trainers or the Reflective Fostering clinical lead to arrange a meeting with an RF consultant

• Schedule a minimum of 6 meetings with a consultant at the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families

• Access the manual and all necessary materials for running an RF psychoeducation group, including slides

• Obtain foster carers' consent for filming during consultation calls

• Administer pre- and post-group measures to foster carers to assess outcomes, sharing the data with the RF clinical lead for evidence collection

• Complete a Reflective Fostering Wheel after each session, self-assessing your mentalizing skills

• Working in pairs, select five clips from six of the eight sessions to send to the RF consultant for review before each consultation meeting

• After completing the group and six consultation sessions, the consultant will register you as a Reflective Fostering practitioner, ensuring adherence to the model and good governance of the Reflective Fostering intervention. 

"It was excellent. Very thoughtful. Engaging. Good mix of theoretical principals and interactive work. Loved the videos!" - Participant

"Very good with a lot of clinical practice, very useful. Sheila and Ali are presenting the material in a pleasant and humorous way." - Participant

"I thought the training was excellent. I enjoyed the two days and found the content highly relevant to my work with foster carers and adopters." - Participant

The online platform Zoom will be used to deliver this training. Prior to booking on, please ensure you meet the system requirements so you're able to join this training. Before the training, please test your equipment is working by going to Zoom.us/test and follow the instructions.

This training can be delivered live online or face-to-face. Dates and times will vary according to format so please carefully check the dates and times for individual courses before booking.

Before signing up for a live online training, be sure to check the system requirements. Please follow this link to view our upcoming trainings.

If you’d like to commission this training for your team or organisation please complete our Commissioner Enquiry Form.

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