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Everyone (Public)

Mentalizing Across Contexts: A Virtual Conference

Presented by Yale Child Study Center with the Austen Riggs Center and Anna Freud Centre

Mentalization—the capacity to understand one’s own and others’ behavior in terms of underlying thoughts, feelings, and intentions—is fundamental to emotional well-being, learning, and effective interpersonal functioning. Yet, how mentalization develops and operates can vary widely across age, culture, and context.

This free, day-long virtual conference brings together clinicians and researchers, from three internationally recognized institutions—the Erikson Institute of the Austen Riggs Center, Yale Child Study Center, and the Anna Freud Centre—for a rich exploration of Mentalizing Across Contexts.

Through six presentations, participants will explore how mentalization can be fostered and supported from childhood to adulthood. The program integrates theoretical insights with practical applications, offering depth and relevance for both clinical and educational professionals.

Designed for mental health professionals and educators, this collaborative conference offers an opportunity to deepen understanding of the mentalizing process and its implications for treatment, research, and wider applications. Continuing education will be available. Visit the Austen Riggs event page to learn more, view the conference schedule, and register.

Speakers

  • Anna Freud Centre

    Holly Dwyer Hall, PhD
    Lead for Mentalization-Based Treatments
  • Yale Child Study Center

    Nancy Close, PhD
    Associate Professor; Associate Director of the Yale Program in Early Childhood Education; Lecturer in Psychology; Clinical Director, Parent & Family Development Program
  • Yale Child Study Center

    Michael Hager, PhD
    Psychology Fellow
  • Austen Riggs Center

    Dan Knauss, PsyD
    Director of Training
  • Austen Riggs Center

    Megan Kolano, PsyD
    Staff Psychologist

Contacts

Host

Host Organization

Admission

Free

Event Type

Conferences and Symposia