The experience of knowing and having the truth about oneself known in the context of therapy is not an end in itself; rather, it is important because the trust engendered by this experience ("epis-temic trust", or trust in new knowledge) opens one up to learning about one’s social world and finding better ways to live in it. The consequences of a lack of epistemic trust in terms of psycho-pathology are discussed. The role of mentalizing in the therapeutic relationship is emphasized, and it is suggested that although the Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) developed by Anthony Bateman and Peter Fonagy may be a specific and particular form of practice, the "mentalizing therapist" is a universal constituent of effective psychotherapeutic interventions.
Keywords: Epis-temic trust; Mentalization; Therapeutic action; Truth; Borderline personality disorder