Applying principles of mentalizing based therapy to music therapy methods

Mentalizing is the process of making sense of behavior in oneself and in others. Mentalization-based treatment (MBT) is a theoretical framework that is parallel to creative arts therapies in that it seeks to foster co-regulation of affect, improve reflective functioning, and influence adaptive changes in personality by addressing the attachment needs of the client. While there has been a limited amount of investigation on the application of MBT concepts to music therapy, the primary focus has been on musical improvisation, neglecting its application to the other three methods in music therapy (receptive, compositional, re-creational). Here, we provide a review of MBT concepts, an explanation of the therapeutic function of music in mentalizing, and approaches to apply MBT concepts to all four methods of music therapy through fictional vignettes. The ability of music to help people better understand themselves and others suggests that it is a welcome addition to therapy that incorporates the principles of mentalizing.