[Metacognitive and Mentalization Based Concepts and Treatment Models: Implications for Child and Adolescent...

Metacognitive and Mentalization Based Concepts and Treatment Models: Implications for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry The aim of this article is to provide a survey of metacognitive and mentalization-based therapeutic approaches and possible applications in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. Firstly areas of metacognition are described and the concept of mentalization is introduced. Next, the treatments Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT), Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy (MIT) and Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) are presented. Treatment models, theoretical backgrounds, the most important treatment steps, and typical interventions are explained. The treatment modalities are discussed concerning their conceptual similarities and differences as well as their applications in child and adolescent psychiatry. Finally the treatments are subsumed under the aspect of therapeutic change processes. An outlook for an integrative approach matching the level of metacognitive competency is given.