TMI is an integrated approach that combines a metacognitive perspective (the ability to understand and reflect on one’s own mental states and those of others), a focus on dysfunctional interpersonal cycles, and cognitive, imaginative and experiential techniques.
The central premise is that much psychological suffering stems from:
Metacognitive deficits: difficulties in recognising, distinguishing and regulating emotions and thoughts.
Rigid interpersonal schemas that drive negative expectations in relationships.
Dysfunctional coping strategies that perpetuate the problem.
INTERPERSONAL METACOGNITIVE THERAPY (TMI)
The key concept: metacognition
Metacognition refers to the ability to recognise one’s own mental states (emotions, desires, thoughts), understand another person’s point of view, integrate emotional and cognitive information, and use this understanding to regulate behaviour.
In personality disorders, this function is often impaired, and the patient finds it difficult to understand what they are feeling, why they are feeling it, and what others are feeling.
What is TMI?
How do we use the TMI?
The integration of TMI and EMDR is now widely used in the treatment of personality disorders and complex trauma. This is a strategic clinical integration in which both approaches complement one another: TMI provides a map of interpersonal and metacognitive functioning, whilst EMDR therapy enables the processing of the traumatic and emotionally distressing events that underpin that schema.
Furthermore, clinical work is enriched through monthly supervision sessions with Giancarlo Dimaggio, one of the leading international figures in the development of TMI, ensuring that practice remains aligned with the latest advances in the model.
