Holding Minds in Mind: How Mentalizing Supports Trauma-Informed Practice

“ Easily understandable, with activities which explained the concept well. ”
“Thanks so much, this has given a word to existing ideas”

"A helpful, informative subject"

Description:

When strong emotions make thinking harder, it can be challenging to stay open and connected. This interactive 90-minute session introduces mentalizing—or “holding minds in mind”—as a practical approach to understanding behaviour in context and supporting compassionate, trauma-informed practice.

Shared Intention:

To create a safe, collaborative space where we explore how “holding minds in mind” (mentalizing) can strengthen trauma-informed and restorative practice across multiagency work with children, young people, families, and carers.

What we'll explore together:

Explore what mentalizing is and why it matters for work with children, young people, families, and carers

How mentalizing supports safety and understanding in relationships

Practical skills for mentalizing: curiosity, perspective-taking, humility

Apply mentalizing to real-world scenarios across multiagency settings

How mentalizing links to the trauma-informed principles: Safety, Trust, Collaboration, Empowerment, Peer Support & Connection and Cultural Humility.

Who should attend?
Anyone who writes about children, young people, and families—across education, health, social care, or the third sector in Leeds.

You can find more information regarding the programme team on the Compassionate Leeds Trauma Informed Information Hub or email itipcommunityofpractice@leeds.gov.uk.