ABSTRACT
Mentalizing through the arts has a long history, because mentalization theory defines the process of how we are able to utilize imagination in the service of conceiving mental states in self and others. A mentalization-based approach to art therapy highlights the humble endeavor of understanding without having pre-conceived notions about what is being revealed through the image. The ontology of the concept of mentalization has been reviewed by Choi-Kain and Gunderson who have examined the conceptual domains of mentalization that are underpinned by empirical evidence. These four domains are affect consciousness, empathy, psychological mindedness, and mindfulness. Psychological mindedness according to the Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual is considered to be a way of describing the person's capacity to observe and reflect on an array of feelings, values, goals, or experiences for self and other within a present and longer-term view of the self. Empathy is commonly considered to be a key change agent in psychotherapy.
