A Mentalization-Based Approach to the Development of the Therapeutic Alliance in the Treatment of Schizophrenia

This article presents a clinical illustration of a mentalization-based approach to the development of a therapeutic alliance in the treatment of schizophrenia. A clinically focused overview of the attachment-based understanding of mentalization central to the mentalization-based treatment model is first provided. This is followed by a brief summary of the theory and evidence supporting the possible link between attachment disturbances and deficits of mental state understanding in schizophrenia. A case presentation then illustrates the application of core mentalization-based principles and interventions to enhance the therapeutic alliance by addressing disruptions of mentalization and reducing paranoia in the treatment of a patient with early course schizophrenia.