This research group is concerned with the development and evaluation of mentalization-based programs designed to develop and maintain mental health across the lifespan. Development and evaluation are based on the findings of attachment-based developmental psychopathology. In particular, the focus is on the further development of psychodynamic procedures, their evidence base, and their further differentiation and applicability for specific, previously neglected patient groups. Prevention and intervention will be further developed and evaluated for patients of all ages (including infancy, adolescence and young adults) as well as in specific transitional phases (e.g. nursery, parenthood). The focus of psychological disorders and illnesses is on the transgenerational transmission of trauma, regulation disorders in infants, incipient personality disorders/abnormalities in childhood and adolescence, patients at risk of psychosis, and severe personality disorders in adulthood.

ONGOING PROJECTS
For more information about current and completed projects at the Psychotherapy Research Center, click on the project name:

Early Interventions for Families Project - PFIFF  

Duration: 2008-2020

Funding: Heidehof Foundation, National Center for Early Intervention (former), Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (former)

MBT-SSV: Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT-SSV) for Adolescents with Social Behavior Disorder- a Randomized Controlled Pilot Studi

Duration: 2016-2020

Funding: Dietmar Hopp Foundation

Effectiveness review of focused infant-toddler/parent psychotherapy (fSKEPT) for early childhood regulation disorders.

Duration: 2013-2019

Funding: Association of Analytic Child and Adolescent Psychotherapists (VAKJP); Heidehof Foundation. 

Understanding and Breaking the Intergenerational Cycle of Abuse in Families Enrolled in Routine Mental Health and Welfare Services (UBICA II).

Duration: 2019 to 2023

Funding: German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Investigation of the effectiveness of a mentalization-based educator training in the crèche to raise awareness of traumatic aspects and cultural sensitivity in children and their families with refugee experiences (START CHILDCARE)

Duration: 2019 to 2022

Funding: German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)