What is Schema Therapy?
Schema therapy is an integrative therapy combining elements from cognitive behavioral
therapy, attachment theory, and psychoanalytic theory. Our schemas, or patterns of thinking, are
created and reinforced by various life events and relationships. We can compare a schema to a
glasses lens or a magnet we carry with us in the world, constantly viewing or pulling in evidence
to reinforce our feelings and beliefs. The beliefs and evidence we hold can impact how we
engage with ourselves, others, and the world around us. For example, someone with childhood
experiences of feeling like an outsider, may continue into adulthood to feel lonely or notice
differences in themselves versus peers. By understanding our schemas and their origins, we can
begin to directly and indirectly change patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving to align more
with our values. Schema therapy uses a variety of interventions to break out of these “life traps”
and create hopeful changes in our ability to interact with others and ourselves. Due to the
integrative nature of this therapy, it can be beneficial for a variety of mental health concerns such
as trauma, depression, anxiety, and interpersonal conflict.
What would Schema Therapy look like in session?
● Your therapist can provide you with an introduction into schema therapy and the 18
primary maladaptive schemas using in-person discussion, video and reading resources.
● Through educational materials, you may begin to notice your experience with specific
schemas in the past or current day, and how they impact your functioning.
● Coping tool kits may be created for moments when you notice these schemas activated
and leading to distress/conflict.
● Communication strategies may be practiced if you notice certain schemas being barriers
to communicating needs and boundaries with others.
● You and your therapist can brainstorm activities to engage in during or outside of session
that provide opportunity to gain other perspectives outside of schema beliefs.
Theoretically, stepping into a situation and leaving your schema magnet or schema
sunglasses at home!
● Problem solving techniques may be incorporated if you notice that current relationships
or situations are leading to distressing schema perpetuation.
● Self-compassion, loving kindness, and acceptance techniques may be practiced to convey
compassion and validation to those painful experiences that contributed to schema
beliefs.
Schema Therapy Resources
Websites:
https://schematherapyonline.com/
https://schematherapysociety.org/Member-Resources
Literature:
Breaking Negative Thinking Patterns: A Schema Therapy Self-Help and Support Book by Gitta
Jacob, Hannie van Genderen, Laura Seebauer
Reinventing Your Life: The Breakthrough Program to End Negative Behavior and Feel Great
Again by Jeffrey E. E. Young, Janet S. Klosko, Aaron T. Beck
Schema therapy is an integrative therapy combining elements from cognitive behavioral
therapy, attachment theory, and psychoanalytic theory. Our schemas, or patterns of thinking, are
created and reinforced by various life events and relationships. We can compare a schema to a
glasses lens or a magnet we carry with us in the world, constantly viewing or pulling in evidence
to reinforce our feelings and beliefs. The beliefs and evidence we hold can impact how we
engage with ourselves, others, and the world around us. For example, someone with childhood
experiences of feeling like an outsider, may continue into adulthood to feel lonely or notice
differences in themselves versus peers. By understanding our schemas and their origins, we can
begin to directly and indirectly change patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving to align more
with our values. Schema therapy uses a variety of interventions to break out of these “life traps”
and create hopeful changes in our ability to interact with others and ourselves. Due to the
integrative nature of this therapy, it can be beneficial for a variety of mental health concerns such
as trauma, depression, anxiety, and interpersonal conflict.
What would Schema Therapy look like in session?
● Your therapist can provide you with an introduction into schema therapy and the 18
primary maladaptive schemas using in-person discussion, video and reading resources.
● Through educational materials, you may begin to notice your experience with specific
schemas in the past or current day, and how they impact your functioning.
● Coping tool kits may be created for moments when you notice these schemas activated
and leading to distress/conflict.
● Communication strategies may be practiced if you notice certain schemas being barriers
to communicating needs and boundaries with others.
● You and your therapist can brainstorm activities to engage in during or outside of session
that provide opportunity to gain other perspectives outside of schema beliefs.
Theoretically, stepping into a situation and leaving your schema magnet or schema
sunglasses at home!
● Problem solving techniques may be incorporated if you notice that current relationships
or situations are leading to distressing schema perpetuation.
● Self-compassion, loving kindness, and acceptance techniques may be practiced to convey
compassion and validation to those painful experiences that contributed to schema
beliefs.
Schema Therapy Resources
Websites:
https://schematherapyonline.com/
https://schematherapysociety.org/Member-Resources
Literature:
Breaking Negative Thinking Patterns: A Schema Therapy Self-Help and Support Book by Gitta
Jacob, Hannie van Genderen, Laura Seebauer
Reinventing Your Life: The Breakthrough Program to End Negative Behavior and Feel Great
Again by Jeffrey E. E. Young, Janet S. Klosko, Aaron T. Beck