Minding Emotions: Cultivating Mentalization in Psychotherapy (Psychoanalysis and Psychological Science Series) explores the concept of mentalization—the ability to understand one’s own and others’ actions, behavior, and internal states. Authored by Elliot Jurist, this concise and engaging book provides a brief overview of how psychotherapies aim to enhance this capacity, leading to greater resilience and flexibility in patients. Jurist integrates cognitive science research with psychoanalytic theory to break down “mentalized affectivity” into manageable processes that therapists can cultivate during sessions.

The text is enriched with clinical vignettes and discussions on memoirs by notable figures such as comedian Sarah Silverman, poet Tracy Smith, filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, and neurologist Oliver Sacks. A reproducible assessment instrument, the Mentalized Affectivity Scale, is included to aid in practical application. The book offers valuable insights for mental health professionals looking to deepen their understanding of mentalization and its role in therapeutic practices.

Award: Winner—American Board and Academy of Psychoanalysis Book Prize (Theory)

Publishing Details: Illustrated, English, 200 pages. Published by The Guilford Press on April 9, 2018, with dimensions 6 x 0.75 x 9 inches. ISBN-10: 1462534996; ISBN-13: 978-1462534999.