Mentalization-based therapy (MBT) is commonly used to help clients heal from the effects of substance use disorder (SUD) and dual diagnosis. Driftwood Recovery uses MBT and other therapeutic techniques to improve treatment outcomes for individuals in recovery. Therapy sessions provide clients with essential skills and tools for overcoming addiction, allowing them to build the foundation for a more fulfilling life.
What Is Mentalization-Based Therapy?
Mentalization-based therapy is an evidence-based, psychodynamic modality that teaches clients to analyze their thoughts and feelings. Clients learn to discover the connections between various thoughts and behaviors, allowing them to make positive lifestyle changes that support lasting sobriety. Learning how to link thoughts and beliefs with behaviors enables people to change how they act by changing how they think.
How Mentalization Helps Improve Mental Health
MBT is a common treatment for dual diagnosis involving borderline personality disorder (BPD). According to World Psychiatry, “In BPD, a fragile mentalizing capacity vulnerable to social and interpersonal interaction is considered a core feature of the disorder.” Mentalization improves mental health by helping clients better understand their thoughts and feelings.
The Role of Mentalization in Treating Anxiety, Stress, and Mood Disorders
Clients with co-occurring mental health disorders or anxiety caused by chronic substance abuse use mentalization to reduce symptoms. Managing stress and triggers is easier for clients with the necessary skills to reflect on their thoughts and behaviors. Reflection, self-awareness, and resilience give individuals in recovery a healthier starting point for rebuilding their lives. MBT teaches clients to identify thoughts that may negatively impact mental health, behavior, and overall stress levels.
Addressing Mood Disorders and Depression Through Mentalization-Based Therapy
Mood disorders are common co-occurring conditions for individuals with SUD. Clients participating in personalized treatment programs at Driftwood Recovery use MBT to address the symptoms and side effects of mood disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD). Depression is one of the leading causes of mental health problems and disabilities in the United States. MBT can be used in residential or outpatient programs and offers clients the support they need to improve their quality of life.
Mentalization for Addiction and Substance Abuse Recovery
MBT gives clients the skills to reflect on their thoughts and feelings, as well as the thoughts and feelings of others. Clients learn to effectively identify emotional triggers that cause some of the underlying issues related to substance abuse and mental health issues while learning to treat others with compassion and understanding. Mentalization supports recovery from addiction and reduces social isolation by strengthening empathy, promoting interpersonal awareness, and supporting healthier coping mechanisms.
Enhancing Awareness and Coping Skills to Overcome Addictive Behavior
Some of the skills clients gain from mentalization-based therapy include:
- Improved emotional awareness
- Better emotion regulation
- Decreased impulsivity
- Stronger interpersonal skills
- Mindful decision-making
- Greater insight into craving triggers
Self-awareness improves the effectiveness of treatment by revealing what thoughts and feelings may be related to maladaptive behaviors.
Attachments and Mentalization: Building Healthier Relationships Through MBT
Mentalization-based therapy may help some people develop more meaningful relationships. According to Research in Psychotherapy, “[M]entalization is crucial for regulating emotions and developing of a coherent sense of identity, for interacting with individuals making sense to own and others mental states, and for distinguishing internal and external realities without distortions.” Mentalization improves emotional intelligence and empathy in social interactions.
Healing From Abandonment and Codependency With Mentalization
Abandonment, codependency, and other unhealthy relationship dynamics may play a role in the development of addictive behaviors. People are often profoundly affected by primary relationships with caregivers, siblings, close friends, and significant others. Unhealthy dynamics may cause some individuals to experience mental health issues or rely on maladaptive coping mechanisms, including substance abuse. In addition, codependency with someone who abuses drugs increases the risk of a person developing SUD. Treatment programs address these relationship dynamics and provide clients with healthy alternatives.
Mentalization-Based Therapy for Grief and Emotional Healing
Clients learn to more effectively process grief and pain through mentalization techniques. MBT helps clients better understand and regulate their feelings during periods of emotional distress. Grief and loss may cause confusion, anger, or depressive episodes. Identifying feelings and their causes can help clients heal from loss and grief with fewer adverse side effects. MBT is often used in trauma recovery to provide emotional support and skills for regulating complex emotions.
Mentalization in a Holistic Treatment Program at Driftwood Recovery
Individuals recovering from substance abuse and mental health issues respond better to holistic treatment programs tailored to their unique needs. Driftwood Recovery uses personalized care plans to integrate MBT into treatment programs alongside other therapeutic modalities, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Clinicians also use holistic therapies to enhance the positive effects of mentalization.
Enhancing Mindfulness and Yoga Practice Through Mentalization
Care plans utilizing metallization may benefit from mindfulness-based practices, including yoga and meditation. Clients use these techniques to reflect on internal experiences and strengthen the mind-body connection. Making mindfulness practices part of the recovery routine reduces the risk of relapse and makes it easier for clients to gain essential insights. Most mindfulness-based therapies increase self-awareness and self-reflection. Clients may use meditation, yoga, or other holistic therapies to become more open-minded and willing to make healthy lifestyle changes.
How Mentalization-Based Therapy Helps Heal the Brain
Mentalization-based therapies help the brain heal by enhancing people’s ability to reflect on thoughts or emotions. Promoting emotion regulation and self-awareness strengthens neural pathways and improves overall mental health. Mentalization enhances neural plasticity, allowing people to regain skills after periods of chronic substance abuse. Driftwood Recovery collaborates closely with clients and their loved ones to create tailored care plans that use MBT and other forms of psychotherapy to treat the symptoms of SUD.
Driftwood Recovery uses mentalization-based therapy and other complementary treatments to address the effects of chronic substance abuse and mental health disorders. To learn more about our programs and services, call us today at (512) 759-8330.
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