Mentalizing the Body: Integrating Body and Mind in Psychotherapy

Mentalizing the Body is a book that combines theory and practice with neurobiological and developmental psychological findings to understand the relevance of the body in mental disorders. It discusses the importance of the intentionality of bodily symptoms and how they can be integrated in the talking cure. It expands the work of Anthony Bateman and Peter Fonagy and promotes mentalizing in psychotherapy while taking the body into account. It provides detailed insight on therapies and treatments available, with clinical case studies and diagrams.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 29 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Mentalizing the Body is a groundbreaking book that brings together theory and practice with the latest neurobiological and developmental psychological findings to understand the relevance of the body in a wide range of mental disorders, particularly personality and somatization disorders. Ulrich Schultz-Venrath, a renowned expert in the field, provides insightful explanations on individual bodily phenomena within psychotherapeutic treatments, experienced by both patients and therapists. He emphasizes the importance of the intentionality of bodily symptoms and how they can be integrated into the talking cure.

This book expands on the work of Anthony Bateman and Peter Fonagy, introducing the concept of "body mode" in contrast to the popular notion of "embodied mentalizing." By promoting mentalizing in psychotherapy while taking the body into account, this book helps not only patients with somatoform and eating disorders but also those whose psychological complaints have a missing connection to the body. Schultz-Venrath offers detailed insights on a range of therapies and treatments, including individual and group psychotherapies, body, art, and music therapy, with clinical case studies and diagrams throughout.

Mentalizing the Body is a valuable resource for practitioners and researchers alike, spanning from psychoanalysts and psychotherapists to psychiatrists and psychologists seeking to understand the mentalization model. It is also essential for all healthcare professionals working with severe mental disorders. This book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the body's role in mental health, paving the way for more effective and holistic approaches to treatment.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032384863