ABSTRACT
Over the past several years, I have learned that it can be of benefi t to use the mentalization approach both in the therapeutic and educational treatment of neglected and traumatized children and adolescents and their families. I have found that the value of paying attention to the mental states lying behind neglected and traumatised children’s behaviour cannot be stressed enough. Furthermore, it is my experience that maintaining an awareness of your own (and your colleagues’) mental states as a professional working with children and adolescents at risk is equally important.
