ABSTRACT

The seventh chapter of the guidebook to Metacognitive Reflection and Insight Therapy (MERIT) describes the second of the eight elements, which comprise the basis for MERIT. This is a content element and referred to as “insertion of the therapist’s mind” which asks clinicians to share their own thoughts and reactions to the patient’s behaviors and mental activities in a way that does not derail dialogue or co-opt the patient’s agenda(s). The intent of this element is twofold. First, it establishes the therapist as a person with their own distinct thoughts and reactions who is available and present for dialogue and joint reflection. Second, it establishes the patient as someone who has reactions to the therapist as a partner in dialogue. As the preceding element, Element 1 allows for patients to be aware of different intentions and motives they themselves possess, Element 2 allows for patients to be aware of the different reactions they have in response to a person in their immediate presence who is thinking about them with them. Satisfactory adherence requires frequent attempts by the therapist to insert their mind in a manner that does not derail dialogue.