Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT)

Mentalization Based Therapy Ottawa

Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy which was developed by Dr. Anthony Bateman and Dr. Peter Fonagy from the Anna Freud Center (London UK). Mentalizing is the idea of keeping someone else’s mind in your mind. Successful mentalizing involves the understanding of what is going on in our own minds and the minds of other people along with realising how this may be affecting the emotions, thoughts and actions of both ourselves and those around us. However, when our mental health is affected this can lead to impairments in our abilities to mentalize, which can lead to misunderstandings of emotions, thoughts and actions which can negatively impact on social interactions and relationships. The goal of MBT therapy is to help individuals to increase their mentalizing capacity in the here and now.


MBT was originally developed as a treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder but has shown to be affective for a variety of disorders including interpersonal difficulties, depression and anxiety.

Gilmour Psychologists with Expertise in Mentalization Based Therapy

Contact Gilmour Psychological Services® in Ottawa to schedule a consultation with a psychologist who has an expertise in mentalization based therapy.

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Dr. Mari Shanahan Somerville (Supervised Practice)

By Kristi Rudolph • May 4, 2026
Dr. Mari Shanahan Somerville, PhD, C.Psych, is in supervised practice at GPS under supervision by Dr. Deanna Drahovzal . Dr. Shanahan Somerville approaches therapy with the belief that the human mind is both powerful and adaptable. Each person experiences the world through a unique lens shaped by past experiences. While these experiences cannot be changed, the ways we understand and respond to them can evolve. Even when it may feel difficult, it is possible to develop new, more adaptive ways of relating to ourselves, others, and the world around us. Dr. Shanahan Somerville views therapy as an opportunity to cultivate self-direction and inner capacity, approaching oneself with compassion, curiosity, and resilience while exploring meaningful change. Dr. Shanahan Somerville holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Concordia University and has worked with individuals across the lifespan in a range of settings, including private practice, community mental health in both Indigenous and urban settings, a school board, and the Allan Memorial Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) . This breadth of experience has reinforced her belief that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. She practices from an integrative framework, grounded primarily in psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapies, and incorporates elements of third-wave cognitive behavioural approaches and mindful self-compassion. Central to Dr. Shanahan Somerville’s work is a deep respect for each client’s individual pace. She recognizes that trust develops over time and is committed to creating a space where clients feel safe to explore their inner world in a way that feels manageable and secure. She strives to meet clients where they are, offering a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where their voice and perspective remain at the center of the work. Beginning therapy is a meaningful and often courageous step. Dr. Shanahan Somerville would be honoured to support you in this process as you work toward greater understanding, growth, and well-being.
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Dr. Jennifer Fernie, C.Psych.

August 8, 2021
Dr. Fernie has worked extensively with childhood trauma and personality difficulties. Dr. Fernie has also worked with people who needed treatment overcoming single incident traumas, interpersonal difficulties, mood disorders (including anxiety and depression), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), self-esteem, stress and other major mental health issues. She is experienced in assessing and developing individualised treatment plans collaboratively with clients. Her therapy choices are client dependent and she uses an integrated approach.