Mentalizing

This group teaches patients about the concept of mentalization and how to utilize a mentalizing stance to improve emotion regulation, self-understanding, and effectiveness in relationships. In particular, the group focuses on helping patients increase their awareness of their own thoughts and feelings, the thoughts and feelings of others, and how to use this heightened awareness to improve their ability to function at home, at work/school, and in their relationships. Patients are often surprised as they come to know more about themselves through the creative exercises and have the experience of being understood in ways they have not often experienced in their relationships. It teaches them a language through which to speak with others that will support being understood themselves and more deeply understanding others.