ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the mentalizing stance. In mentalization theory, the stance is the most central element – in this book defined as openness, balance, empathy, curiosity, and patience. For each of the five concepts, there will be a brief introduction to how the concept manifests itself in the natural parent–child interaction. Then, for each concept, it will be described why it is particularly important, but also particularly demanding, to maintain this concept in the stance toward neglected and traumatized children and adolescents.
