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Have you had a tough childhood, have relationship problems and difficulties such as depression? Then schema therapy can help. Here we explain what it is and how it can help you feel better.
Schema therapy is an evidence-based therapy developed to treat people with long-term patterns of problematic behavior, particularly those associated with various personality disorders. The therapy is influenced by cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) but also integrates elements from attachment theory, gestalt therapy and dynamic therapy, among others. Unlike traditional CBT, schema therapy has a greater focus on childhood experiences and the relationship between the therapist and the client.
The method was developed by psychologist Jeffrey Young, and is a further development of CBT adapted for the treatment of more prolonged and complex problems where traditional CBT has not proved effective.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
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Schema therapy can be helpful for different problem areas. Do you tend to get stuck in destructive relationships, are jealous, constantly fearful of rejection and abandonment by friends and partners? Do you find it difficult to break patterns, control emotions and impulses or feel empty and indifferent? If you have high demands on yourself, an insatiable need for affirmation, are plagued by recurrent shame and guilt and feel like a bad person?
If so, schema therapy may be for you. Schema therapy is used to treat people with complex psychological problems, such as personality disorders, relationship problems, chronic depression and anxiety.
Schema is a concept in cognitive psychology that describes different patterns or beliefs you create through your experiences. They are a bit like internal maps. These beliefs about ourselves and the world around us are then the basis for how we act. If you don’t get your basic emotional needs met as a child, you can react with stress in different ways and you can develop patterns and behaviors that don’t always match how situations look when you get older. This can lead to problems in relationships and the development of mental health problems.
During treatment, people explore and understand their schemas, and develop strategies to challenge and change them. They have identified 18 different schemas that are common and can cause problems. There is also a term in schema therapy called ‘mode’, which is a more situational form of schema. For example, in a particular situation you might act a bit like a child, a demanding or critical parent, or a healthier adult. The treatment helps to change patterns that do not make you feel good.
The basics of schema therapy are:
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An important part of schema therapy is that the client learns to identify and manage their own emotional needs and to develop better ways to meet their needs. It is a comprehensive treatment that focuses on changing the personality and the basic thought patterns inherited from childhood.
Schema therapy includes three treatment phases and is based on emotion-focussed techniques, cognitive techniques and strategies to break behavioural patterns. It also includes relaxation training, emotion management and exposure. The therapist treats the individual with empathy, support, safety and warmth. Schema therapy can be conducted in individual therapy or in a group format. The length of treatment depends on the severity of the client’s problems and individual needs.
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Schema therapy is an evidence-based therapy developed to treat people with long-term patterns of problematic behaviour.
Schema is a concept in cognitive psychology that describes different patterns or beliefs you create through your experiences. They are a bit like internal maps.
Schema therapy includes three treatment phases and is based on emotion-focussed techniques, cognitive techniques and strategies to break behavioural patterns.
The length of treatment depends on the severity of the client’s problems and individual needs. It is difficult to say exactly how long the treatment will be.
The treatment uses cognitive techniques such as restructuring but also psychoeducation, relaxation training, emotion management and exposure. The therapist’s relationship with the client is also important with empathy, support, safety and warmth.
Schema therapy is used to treat people with complex psychological problems, such as personality disorders, relationship problems, chronic depression and anxiety.
The therapy is influenced by cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) but also integrates ideas from attachment theory, gestalt therapy and dynamic therapy, among others.
Schema therapy is designed to treat difficult childhood experiences, so it is a form of therapy that works well for that.
We have licensed psychologists and therapists available online. You are welcome to book on our website.
A licensed psychologist or psychotherapist who has further training in schema therapy and is qualified to provide the treatment.
At Lavendla, we have experienced psychologists and therapists working with schema therapy who can help you feel better. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicidal thoughts, call emergency services immediately on 000 or Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 (24 hour service).
Here is a general overview of how schema therapy might work:
If you or someone close to you is looking for professional help, don’t hesitate to book a session with one of our qualified psychologists or therapists. We make the hard things easier.