Schema Therapy

Schema Therapy is an evidence-based, integrative approach that combines cognitive, behavioural, and experiential techniques to help us make sense of the different ways we have adapted and coped throughout our life. It provides a space for us to take a step back and examine which of these coping styles we’d like to keep and which we’d like to leave behind. A schema can be thought of as a blueprint through which we view ourselves, others, and the world around us. These schemas are usually formed in childhood as a result of our emotional needs not being met or if we experienced neglect, abandonment or criticism. These false beliefs can lead to unhelpful patterns and behaviour in our adult lives. Schema therapy helps us to identify our schemas and find ways to break these cycles so that we can live a healthier life. This approach is evidence-based and has been found to be effective in treating mental health issues such as eating disorders, personality disorders, substance misuse, anxiety and depression. Even if you do not have a mental health diagnosis, you can still benefit from schema therapy. It is a great way to start understanding ourselves and our relationships better.

Schema therapy can be an effective treatment for individuals who experience difficulty understanding their own feelings or what they need, repeating problematic patterns in relationships, and being impacted by events from the past. It can also be beneficial for those who want to learn more about self-development and changing their relationship to themselves and others, or who turn to maladaptive coping behaviors such as overeating, smoking, drinking, or binge-watching television. Additionally, schema therapy can help those who experience social difficulties such as feeling different, not good enough, or like they do not belong, especially during times of loneliness or isolation.

Schema therapy is a highly adaptable and applicable form of therapy that can be used to treat a wide variety of issues. If your issues have been with you for your whole life and are a result of past experiences, we will likely recommend schema therapy as a suitable treatment option. We also tend to suggest schema therapy as a more extended approach if we believe that a shorter-term approach such as CBT will not be enough to effectively resolve your issues. Generally, schema therapy consists of a 6-12 month period to ensure the best possible results.