Schema focused and mentalization based therapy – An integrative proposal

Abstract

ABSTRACT Schema Focused Therapy (henceforth SFT) is an integrative theory of therapy, which includes aspects of various different therapeutic approaches, but does not stress mentalization. Mentalization Based Therapy (henceforth MBT) focuses on mentalization, but lacks several causes for impaired mentalization found in SFT. The current article aims to fill these respective gaps. To this end, an assimilation of mentalization into SFT is suggested, causes of impaired mentalization are collected from SFT, and practical implications are discussed.