“I know you think I think – therefore I am”. Mentalisation based therapeutic community: a description

Abstract

Purpose

The mentalisation based therapeutic community (MBTC) is a group experience which promotes the acquisition of the capacity to mentalise. Members of the community gain greater emotional stability and psychological robustness. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

MBTC works with three theoretical principles: the intrapsychic, interpersonal and social. It is a slow open group where each member completes a ten-week course. The approach is deliberately non-interpretive with an emphasis on personal responsibility and accountability in order to promote clarity of mind.

Findings

The authors’ experience is that the model engages group members with few drop outs.

Originality/value

The combination of mentalising and the use of therapeutic community principles within in MBTC has enhanced outcomes for group members.

Citation

Ruscombe-King, G., Mackenzie, L., Pearce, S. and Saunders, K. (2017), "“I know you think I think – therefore I am”. Mentalisation based therapeutic community: a description", Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, Vol. 38 No. 1, pp. 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1108/TC-02-2016-0007