Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT): Basic Training

Mentalization-based treatment (MBT) is an evidence-based treatment approach that helps clinicians understand and work with the mental states that drive behavior—both in their patients and themselves. At its core, MBT strengthens the capacity to make sense of thoughts, feelings, intentions, and perspectives, particularly during moments of stress, conflict, or emotional dysregulation.

Originally developed by Anthony Bateman and Peter Fonagy for the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD), MBT is grounded in attachment theory and early childhood development research. Today, it is used across a wide range of clinical settings, diagnoses, and patient populations.

This intensive 3-day training provides a practical introduction to MBT and its core clinical interventions. Participants will learn how healthy mentalizing develops, how it breaks down, and how clinicians can help patients and families regain the capacity to reflect, understand, and respond more effectively to themselves and others.

A central focus of the training is developing an MBT stance—approaching patients with curiosity rather than certainty. Participants will learn how to use the “not-knowing” stance to foster collaborative exploration and create opportunities for deeper understanding within clinical encounters.

Through case discussion, experiential exercises, and role plays, participants will practice key MBT interventions, including clarification, challenge, and basic mentalizing techniques. The course emphasizes helping clinicians track both the patient’s mental state and their own responses in the moment, using that awareness to support therapeutic change.

For clinicians working with complex patients and families, MBT offers a rigorous, research-informed framework that is practical and immediately applicable. Whether you are new to MBT or looking to strengthen your clinical foundation, this course will provide tools you can use right away.

Participants will learn:

• How mentalizing develops through early attachment relationships

• How disruptions in attachment can contribute to mentalizing failures

• How to recognize and respond to breakdowns in mentalizing

• MBT-informed interventions that help patients and families restore reflective capacity

• Practical strategies for maintaining a mentalizing stance in challenging clinical interactions

Course Format

This virtual training includes:

• 3 days of live, instructor-led training

• 21 hours of self-paced learning activities

Participants will complete required assignments before, between, and after the live sessions to reinforce course concepts and aid in translation into clinical practice. Self-paced learning hours are not included in CME credit calculations.

Course Agenda

Agenda for this course can be found here.

Offered by the MBT Training Center at McLean Hospital

1. Describe the mentalizing problems of BPD
2. Recognize mentalizing and non-mentalizing interventions
3. Develop and maintain a mentalizing therapeutic stance
4. Use basic mentalizing techniques in their everyday clinical work in group and individual psychotherapy

Please note this course takes place on non-consecutive days: Tuesday, January 12; Friday, January 15; and Saturday, January 16.

Fill out the registration form in the “Register” tab above.

• Fees: $1350 for all registrants

• Refunds are not available. If the participant is unable to attend, they can contact us regarding transferring registration to a substitute attendee.

• Need help? Please contact the MBT Training Center with any questions or concerns.

Physicians
McLean Hospital is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

McLean Hospital designates this educational activity for a maximum of 13.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Psychologists
McLean Hospital is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. McLean Hospital maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Participants meeting requirements will receive 13.50 CE credits.

Nurses
Advance practice nurses, please note: educational activities which meet the requirements of the ACCME (such as this activity) count toward 50% of the nursing requirement for ANCC accreditation.

Social Workers
Social workers should check with their state licensing board to ensure they accept reciprocity with AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for re-licensure.

Licensed Mental Health Counselors
McLean Hospital has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6085. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. McLean Hospital is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. This offering meets the requirements for up to 13.50 NBCC hours.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

McLean Hospital adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others are required to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.

Member Information

Role in activity

Nature of Relationship(s) / Name of Ineligible Company(s)

Lela Dalton, BS
McLean Hospital

Activity Planner

Mark Kalb, MA
McLean Hospital

Activity Planner

Nothing to disclose

Marjorie Overhiser
McLean Hospital

Activity Planner

Nothing to disclose

Christopher M. Palmer, MD
McLean Hospital

Activity Planner

Robert Drozek, MSW, LICSW
McLean Hospital

Course Director, Faculty

Royalties or Patent Beneficiary-Resiliens

Brandon Unruh, MD
McLean Hospital

Course Director, Faculty

Nothing to disclose

Anthony W. Bateman, FRCPsych
Anna Freud
United Kingdom

Faculty

Honoraria-Anna Freud Centre