Mentalizing between groups. A Response to ‘On the relationship between group analysis and mentalization-based group therapy’ by Karterud, Gunnarsen, Gordon, Kongerslev, Staun and Schultz-Venrath

Abstract

MBT-G and Group Analysis (GA) have common ‘breeding grounds’ but differ in central aspects of their theoretical framework and their level of abstraction. MBT-G can be considered both a setting variant of a primary individual Method (MBT) and a development within the realm of group analysis. The description of MBT-G and GA as two ‘camps’ (Karterud et al.) is discussed. If the ‘camp’ metaphor is used at all, the author suggests MBT-G may be better considered as one of many camps within the area of group analysis. In line with the wish of Karterud et al. for open discussion and dialogue in and about groups, the response addresses developments in group theory and practice besides MBT-G.