In this Manual, when we describe FamilyWork, we mainly refer to work that is carried out in line with the principles and practice of Mentalization-Based Treatment for Families, although in AMBIT the structure and settings for sessions may necessarily be more flexible than the structure laid out in the treatment manual for formal MBTF.

MBTF is described here under FamilyWork, and primarily consists of three elements:

1. The Therapist's Mentalizing Stance
2. The Mentalizing Loop (also known as the MBT-F loop).
3. A wide range of Mentalizing manoeuvres - which the creative therapist can add to once the basic stance and aims of the therapy are clear.

There is a separate manual for MBT-F but most of the material held there is already included within this AMBIT manual.