The mentalization-based treatment of children who were maltreated
This study investigated the possibility of developing the mentalization capacity in the psychotherapy of children who suffered abuse. Based on psychoanalytic theory and studies in reflective function and mentalization capacity, we carried out a qualitative study, guided by the clinical method. The procedure adopted was the Multiple Case Study and the participants were two girls aged 10 and 12 years old and their caregivers. The instruments used to collect data were semi-structured interviews, Play Time, Fables Test and Manchester Child Attachment Story Task MCAST, in addition to psychotherapy sessions. The MCAST was reapplied after the first 20 sessions of psychotherapy. The results showed insecure attachment, limited capacity for mentalization before psychotherapy and changes in mentalization after the first 20 sessions.