Mastering Mentalization, Complete Volume: Taking, Gaining, Shifting and Shaping Perspectives Through, Basic, Affective and Strategic Mentalizing

Over the course of our lives there are many occasions when we wish we could read the minds of others. The good news is, we actually can, although only to a certain extent, and surely not in a magical or mystical way. The fact that there is nothing mystical in the way we mindread does not mean that it isn’t still one of our most fascinating social abilities. This book is designed to learn about your mentalization potential. Why you should read Mastering Mentalization: Mastering Mentalization translates cutting edge scientific research in the field of mentalization. Mentalization makes it possible for you to truly understand what is going on in the minds of others, and in your own mind to better predict and explain behavior. What sets this book apart from other books on mentalization? This book is designed: first, to introduce the concepts of mentalization and theory of mind to a broader audience, extending mentalization beyond the clinical and scientific environments; and second, to provide a clear description of the theoretical foundation for, and actionable insights derived from, mentalization. The focus of these concepts in the clinical setting is on developing mentalization competencies with the aim of promoting healthy interpersonal interactions. There is, however, another dimension that is of equal or even greater value, namely, the practical application of mentalization as a means of achieving strategic objectives. Mastering Mentalization is also unique in that it deconstructs the multifaceted ability of mentalization into smaller conceptual pieces. This yields both a granular and a holistic explanation of what mentalization entails and to determine how the different levels of mentalization are best applied. About the Mastering Mentalization Series: This book is the complete volume of the Mastering Mentalization Series, covering all three levels of mentalization: Basic Mentalizing, Affective Mentalizing and Strategic Mentalizing. Basic mentalizing involves the most elementary level of mentalization at which we derive basic mental state inferences by decoding nonverbal behaviors and coming to understand our sensorial reactions to them. Affective mentalizing involves our ability to make more complex affective mental state inferences, helping us to regulate emotions, feelings and moods that advance or impede our social interactions and our mentalization efforts. Strategic mentalizing involves the most cognitive level of mentalization, as it deals with the prediction or explanation of increasingly complex goal-directed behaviors. Additionally, to help you develop your mentalization competencies, we have created online assessments to identify strengths and weaknesses, as well as training modules for practice (go to appliedtom). We have also made The Mentalization Journal available on Amazon. Critic’s Report from The BookLife Prize: Idea: Van der Putten constructs a case for mentalization's power to transform human interaction, arguing that our ability to sift and grasp others' perspectives is an achievable skill that anyone can learn. This guide serves as a tool for readers to break a complicated topic down into digestible steps. Prose: The subject matter can be dense, but van der Putten writes informative prose that still manages to be straightforward and user-friendly. Originality: Mastering Mentalization offers readers distinctive guidance, bolstered by anecdotes and action items, on the history, development, and mastery of a unique skill. Execution: Van der Putten's topic is complex, but the text capably enlightens readers and offers an array of pointers to implement the book's advice. The most helpful sections involve anecdotes to drive home the narrative's learning points.