Emotion and mentalisation-promoting behavioural therapy in the group (EMVT-G)

Publications on the new therapy approach of Emotion and Mentalisation Enhancing Behavioural Therapy EMVT will be available from 2021. It is a modular psychotherapy that remains completely focussed on the individual patient in terms of goal formulation and treatment plan. In the first module, attachment security is established in the therapeutic relationship. The second module aims to replace the dysfunctional survival rule as a maladaptive schema with a new permission-giving rule of life in order to reduce therapeutic resistance. The third module promotes acceptance through mindfulness. The fourth module uses Emotion Tracking dialogue techniques to keep track of feelings. The fifth module serves to promote mentalisation or metacognition in order to elaborate the Theory of Mind (Tom). The sixth module uses Piaget's stage theory to help the patient develop from the affect stage (where feelings and needs determine every action) to the thinking stage, where causal thinking and goal-orientation become possible. Finally, in the seventh module, the development from the thinking stage to the empathy stage takes place, in which a change of perspective leads to empathy and compassion (also with oneself). There are particularly many therapeutic possibilities when the treatment is carried out in a group setting (EMVT-G). This article reports on this.