Metaphors in Mentalization-Based Treatment: Reintroducing the Language of Change in “Plain Old Therapy”

Abstract Metaphors, a central conduit of change in psychotherapy, have not been taken adequately into account Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT). Despite successfully utilized by other evidence-based treatments for borderline personality disorder (BPD), MBT considers metaphors confusing patients with low mentalizing abilities. For and teaching stories to stimulate growth within the window tolerance, interventions should be responsively tailored (e.g., explained). Metaphors might route making spoken matter more apprehensible, bridge emotions cognitive content. They hold potential challenging without being too confronting, translate knowledge between different range understanding. This theoretical article presents why use MBT—in hands responsive therapists—may prove powerful tool open social trust, despite considered “high risk” intervention. The timeless lens metaphor may help us connect archetypical versions our own narratives, hence understanding subjectivity larger perspective. By reaching towards concepts beyond normal reasoning, typically denoted perennial philosophy or wisdom, they substitute and/or supplement mentors memorable way.