Mentallising Self, Other & The Relational System

Mentalisation is the ability to understand our own actions and the actions of others by understanding thoughts, feelings, desires, intentions and actions. Mentalising occurs in relational systems as a function of seeking connection. Being seen and understood by others and seeing and understanding others is an essential and natural relational process, which is essential to secure, satisfying and productive individual, relational and system functioning.

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Duration

3 Hours

Fees

$220.00 AUD inc GST
$220.00 AUD inc GST
Sale Sold out

Participants

Max 30

Delivery Methods

Live Presentation

Overview

Course Details

Entry Requirements

Outcomes

Fees

Course Overview

This presentation provides an overview of the research and delves deeply into the many layers of the Mentalisation process, of self, the other and the system. The clinical focus is on how unexpected complex and cascading losses and dangerous events in families disrupt the development of the potentially rich layers of mentalisation of Self, Other and the relational system, and how particular ways of work can build or rebuild the capacity to mentalise.

This presentation provides an overview of the research and delves deeply into the many layers of the Mentalisation process. The clinical  focus is on i) how unexpected complex and cascading losses and dangerous events in families disrupt the development of the potentially rich layers of  mentalisation of Self, Other and the relational system, ii) how particular ways of work can build or rebuild the capacity to mentalise.  

Course Details

What to bring

  • A willingness to contribute, reflect, share, and engage in practical learning

What we provide

  • A collaborative learning environment
  • Access to case study materials and practice tools

Entry requirement

This course is suitable for professionals currently working with clients who have experienced relational trauma, including those in:

  • Social Work
  • Counselling and Psychotherapy
  • Mental Health and Community Services
  • Psychology or Psychiatry
  • Wellbeing or Family Support Roles
  • Case Management
  • General Practice or Pastoral Care

Applicants should have qualifications in a relevant discipline and be actively engaged in work involving families or relational systems.

Outcomes

Pathways

Participants will gain:

  • Deeper understanding of the construct of Mentalisation of Self, Other and Family, and other relational systems;
  • Highlights the assessment skills to recognise the specific level of  mentalisation- functioning in the system;
  • Techniques to build the capacity to mentalise Self, Other and /or the system as a means of improving the relational functioning in the system;

This course enhances capability for work in therapeutic, mental health, and community-based settings where complex trauma presentations are common.

Benefits/Accreditation

Participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance upon completion.

Fees

$220.00 AUD inc GST
$220.00 AUD inc GST
Sale Sold out

There are currently no scheduled dates for this course. If you would like to be notified when new dates are announced, please email us at info@williamsroad.vic.edu.au.

Course Presenters

Caitlin Sims

Caitlin Sims

Psychologist and Clinical Family Therapist

Caitlin Renee Sims is a psychologist and clinical family therapist who specialises in supporting ...

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Caitlin Sims

Caitlin Sims

Psychologist and Clinical Family Therapist

Caitlin Renee Sims is a psychologist and clinical family therapist who specialises in supporting children, adolescents, and families navigating mental health challenges, disability, and complex relational dynamics. With a compassionate, client-centred approach, Caitlin draws on systemic and attachment-based models to strengthen family connections, improve communication, and promote emotional wellbeing. She is the founder and director of Bright Happy Minds, a child and family therapy clinic based in Belmont, Victoria.

Caitlin’s therapeutic practice is informed by a broad range of evidence-based modalities including Attachment-Based Family Therapy, Narrative Therapy, DBT, and trauma-informed CBT. Her clinical focus includes supporting neurodivergent children, young people with complex emotional needs, and families seeking to restore trust and resilience in their relationships. Caitlin is skilled in both individual and family-based interventions and integrates tools such as mentalisation, mindfulness, and developmental assessment frameworks to tailor support to each client’s context.

Caitlin holds a Master of Family and Systemic Therapy from Australian Catholic University and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from Deakin University. She has completed extensive post-graduate training in autism assessment, trauma-informed care, and advanced therapeutic modalities. Caitlin’s warm, reflective style, combined with her clinical knowledge and leadership, positions her as a trusted practitioner and a dedicated contributor to the field of family therapy.

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