ABSTRACT
Almost everyone is born into a family, and for most of us the family becomes the base from which to explore the outside world. Mentalisation-based therapy for families (MBT-F) has been developed in recent years so as to achieve a finer balance between the needs of the individual and the family. The term "family" is open to many interpretations. "Family" refers to all the many different forms of committed relationships and friendships, namely any group of individuals who nurture each other emotionally or physically. Mentalising refers to the attitude and skills involved in understanding mental states, both one's own as well as those of others, and their connections with feelings and behaviour. The terms "mentalisation" and "mentalising" are often used interchangeably. Mentalising is a process and it generally occurs without effort or specific consciousness. MBT-F is an approach which encourages the simultaneous mentalising of self and others.
