Objectives: Over the past decade, mentalization-based treatment (MBT) approaches have been developed specifically for children, adolescents and families. This study provides a systematic review of MBT applicable to both children and families. Method: Five databases were searched to identify reports of MBT studies published up to February 2020. Studies were screened and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of 34 studies were included in this review. Of these, 14 focused on parent–child dyads, two on child therapy, seven applied the approach to parenting, four evaluated the application of MBT to the school environment and seven focused on adolescent populations. Conclusion: Despite methodological shortcomings and heterogeneity in design, the existing literature does provide tentative support for the use of MBT approaches for these populations, specifically in increasing mentalizing/reflective functioning. Further controlled and methodologically rigorous studies are required.

The aims of this study were to develop scales to assess experiences of sexually abused children in the Irish criminal justice system (CJS); identify aspects of the CJS which children experience as negative; compare the perceptions of children, parents and professionals of sexually abused children's experiences of the CJS; and determine correlations between perceptions of children's CJS experiences and current psychological adjustment. Forty‐three children, 101 parents, 32 mental health professionals, 27 police officers and 21 lawyers completed parallel versions of the Criminal Justice System Questionnaire (CJSQ) which assessed satisfaction with aspects of the CJS relevant to sexually abused children, specifically: Gardaí (police), medical examination, Director of Public Prosecutions, waiting for court, court professionals, court context and the CJS. Fifteen scales were developed by conducting principal component analyses. Children gave negative ratings on nine of these, and on seven children, parents and professionals differed in their perceptions of how children experienced the CJS with mental health professionals viewing the impact of the CJS as more problematic than parents and children. Scores of children and parents on CJSQ scales correlated with indices of current psychological adjustment. These results point to the importance of making the Irish CJS more child‐friendly and for evaluating these reforms with the CJSQ. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Parent‐led cognitive behavioural therapy for child anxiety disorders have garnered a growing evidence base. However, it is unclear how such approaches translate into routine clinical practice. The current study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8‐session treatment (From Timid to Tiger) in reducing child anxiety and behavioural difficulties, as well as family accommodation. The parents of 71 children (aged 4–11) were assigned to the treatment or a waitlist control. Parent report measures were completed pre‐treatment, at treatment‐end, and at 3‐month follow‐up. Parents assigned to the waitlist were assessed 8 weeks after the initial assessment. Findings indicated that parents who attended the group reported significant reductions in child anxiety and behavioural difficulties. In addition, the parents in the treatment group reported a reduction in family accommodation compared to those in the waitlist. The current control trial provides tentative evidence of the use and effectiveness of such parent‐led approaches in addressing child anxiety difficulties commonly seen in routine clinical practice. Practitioner points Parent‐led approaches are effective treatments in managing child anxiety difficulties. Very little research to date has assessed the effectiveness of such approaches in routine clinical practice. The From Timid to Tiger program is a brief parent‐led CBT intervention. The programme was effective in reducing child anxiety and behavioural difficulties. Parents also reported a reduction in behaviours related to family accommodation. Such programmes show promise and can be used in routine clinical practice.

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Objectives Cognitive analytic therapy has been shown to be an effective psychological treatment for a range of differing presentations but little research to date has focused on the use of Group CAT (GCAT). The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of GCAT for clients with mood and anxiety disorders in primary care. Design This study utilized a mixed method design. Method A 12‐session GCAT programme was developed covering key CAT concepts. The structure reflected the three phases of CAT – reformulation, recognition, and revision. Participants completed outcome measures pre‐ and post‐treatment and at 3‐month follow‐up. Acceptability was reported using session attendance and participant feedback in addition to asking clients to rank the utility of CAT treatment components. A therapist interview was also completed. Results Fifty‐five per cent of clients completed the treatment, and feedback suggests that GCAT is an acceptable and feasible intervention for a primary care population. Clients also reported on the utility of specific CAT treatment components. Clients demonstrated positive change on a number of outcome measures. Conclusions Group cognitive analytic therapy shows promise as an acceptable and feasible treatment for clients with mood and anxiety disorders presenting to primary care services. Further larger and more controlled studies are indicated. Practitioner points The study supports the idea that GCAT is an acceptable and feasible treatment for clients with mood and anxiety disorders in a primary care setting. Clients indicated the utility of various aspects of GCAT The study provides tentative evidence for the effectiveness of GCAT in ameliorating symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in primary care.