What we treat
Mentalization based treatment
Mentalization-based treatment (MBT) is an evidence-based approach that helps you better understand your own thoughts and feelings, and those of the people around you. Our therapists use MBT in individual and group sessions to support women whose emotions and relationships feel intense, confusing or hard to navigate. Ask a question to learn how it could fit your care.
What is MBT?
Mentalizing is the everyday ability to make sense of what's going on in your own mind and in someone else's: the feelings, needs and intentions behind actions. Under stress, that ability can slip, and misunderstandings or strong reactions follow. MBT is a form of talk therapy that gently strengthens this skill, so you can pause, stay curious and respond with more clarity, especially in close relationships.
How does Femme Health use MBT?
Care starts with a personal intake so your therapist understands the patterns and relationships that feel hardest right now. MBT is then woven into a plan that fits your season of life.
In clinician-led virtual groups, you practice mentalizing with other women, noticing how the same moment can look different from each person's point of view. That shared curiosity can build trust and connection.
With your primary therapist, you'll slow down real situations, from conflict with a partner to the strain of new motherhood, and explore what was happening for you and others. Your care advocate helps with scheduling, costs and next steps.
Where MBT helps
What MBT can support
Personality disorders
MBT was developed for long-standing relationship and identity patterns, helping emotions feel steadier and connections feel safer.
Learn moreTrauma and PTSD
Trauma can make it hard to trust others' intentions. MBT helps rebuild a sense of safety and understanding in relationships.
Learn moreMood disorders
Learning to notice what's driving a feeling can make mood shifts less overwhelming and easier to talk about.
Learn moreCommon questions about mentalization based treatment
What does mentalizing mean?+
Mentalizing means making sense of behavior, yours and other people's, in terms of thoughts, feelings, needs and intentions. Everyone does it, but stress and strong emotions can make it harder.
What happens in an MBT session?+
Your therapist helps you slow down and explore a recent moment that felt difficult. Together you get curious about what you were feeling, what others might have been feeling, and other ways to understand what happened.
What can MBT help with?+
MBT is often used for:
- Intense or quickly shifting emotions
- Difficulties in close relationships
- Personality disorders, especially borderline personality disorder
- Effects of trauma on trust and connection
- Self-harm urges and impulsive reactions
How is MBT different from CBT or DBT?+
CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors, and DBT teaches specific skills for emotions and distress. MBT centers on understanding minds, your own and others', which can strengthen relationships and emotional balance.
Does MBT work virtually?+
Yes. MBT is conversation-based and adapts well to virtual sessions and groups, where you can practice understanding different perspectives in real time.
If you're in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911 right away.
Ready to take the first step?
Get startedThis page is general information, not medical advice. In crisis? Call or text 988, or call 911.