SchemaTherapy

Schema Therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach developed by Jeffrey Young that combines elements of cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and attachment theories to address deeply ingrained patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving known as schemas. Schemas are core beliefs and themes about oneself, others, and the world that develop early in life and persist into adulthood, often leading to maladaptive coping strategies and interpersonal difficulties.  

The core premise of Schema Therapy is that these maladaptive schemas are formed in response to unmet emotional needs during childhood, such as the need for safety, nurturance, autonomy, or validation. Unlike some other therapies that focus solely on symptom reduction, Schema Therapy seeks to identify and address these underlying schemas to promote lasting emotional healing and behavioral change.  

Central to Schema Therapy is the therapeutic relationship, which serves as a secure base for exploration and healing. Therapists work collaboratively with clients to identify and challenge maladaptive schemas, often using experiential techniques such as imagery, chair work, and cognitive restructuring to evoke emotions associated with past experiences and reframe unhelpful beliefs.   

Additionally, Schema Therapy incorporates strategies from attachment theory to help clients develop healthier interpersonal relationships and meet their emotional needs in adaptive ways. By fostering self-awareness, self-compassion, and emotional regulation skills, Schema Therapy aims to help individuals break free from repetitive patterns of dysfunction and live more fulfilling lives aligned with their core values and aspirations. Overall, Schema Therapy offers a comprehensive and integrative approach to addressing longstanding emotional difficulties by targeting the underlying schemas that drive them.   

Schema therapy is effective in treating longstanding issues relating to one’s past. In particular, schema therapy has been shown to be helpful in treating personality disorders and treatment resistant disorders (e.g. recurrent depression and eating disorders). Schema therapy is generally a medium to long term therapy.   

Are you looking for a Schema Therapy Psychologist in Perth? Book a session with our team of experienced therapists, Tania, Tahnee, Cat, and Naomi.   

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Additional Resources:  

Schema Institute