Trauma-focused mentalization-based treatment (MBT-TF) [1] is a recent adaptation of mentalization-based treatment (MBT) specifically developed for patients presenting with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), with or without borderline personality disorder features. The model is adapted to address the trauma symptoms present in the aftermath of adverse relational experiences, with a particular focus on epistemic mistrust and social isolation in a group setting.
This new phase-structured intervention aims to offer a space supporting the development of a more coherent self-narrative in the presence of other compassionate minds. Safe connection built within the group may help buffer toxic feelings of shame that inherently undermine the recovery process. The shared group experiences may in turn foster the recalibration of traumatized minds and enable new and generalisable social learning.
This workshop aims to present the model’s adaptation for this specific population and to bring clinicians up to date with the common clinical challenges in MBT-TF implementation. A final part will focus on current research efforts in this field.
- Smits, M.L., J. de Vos, E. Rüfenacht, L. Nijssens, L. Shaverin, T. Nolte, P. Luyten, P. Fonagy, and A. Bateman, Breaking the cycle with trauma-focused mentalization-based treatment: theory and practice of a trauma-focused group intervention. Frontiers in Psychology, 2024. 15.
Chair: Anthony BATEMAN London, UK
Speakers: Maaike SMITS – Rotterdam, Netherlands / Jasmijn De VOS – Haarlem, Netherlands / Tobias NOLTE – London, UK / Eva RÜFENACHT – Geneva, Switzerland
Workshop 7 – Friday 29 May 2026 – 09:30 – 11:00 – Amphithéâtre Farabeuf