MENTALIZATION AS PROCEDURAL LEARNING IN PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC INTERACTION: A RELATIONAL REFLECTIVE FUNCTIONING

This paper discusses the rationale of research about mentalization in psychotherapy and its relational and interactive manifestation in the context of this particular type of human relationship. This review proposes a critical analysis of the traditional approach to mentalization, which considers it a variable result. It argues that this approach to the study of mentalization in psychotherapy may result in confusing and contradictory conclusions. Finally, it proposes a relational approach to both the epistemological and methodological aspects of mentalization. This empirical-based view would restore its utility, which is evident from a clinical-theoretical approach.