Schema therapy is a well established form of counselling that was developed in the United States, and has a strong presence there and in Europe. Although internationally recognized, it is still relatively new to Canada, so may not be familiar to you. Schema Therapy is an evidence based therapy, which means that it has clinically demonstrated its effectiveness in research studies. In fact, Schema therapy has been shown to be a very effective form of treatment for both “mainstream” problems, as well as more difficult personality related issues. With strong research support for this approach in individual, group and marital counselling, it is a flexible and powerful treatment modality, leading to dramatic change. As an integrative therapy that incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, insight oriented/psychodynamic therapies, Gestalt and emotive therapies, therapists are able to draw upon a rich conceptual base to help their clients meet their goals for change.
So how does it work? Through the lenses of acceptance and understanding, Schema Therapy works to change dysfunctional patterns of connection and modify painful memories from childhood. In order to change connection styles that are causing you problems, Schema Therapists teach clients to recognize underlying early maladaptive schemas (patterns of beliefs related to unmet childhood core emotional needs), and the modes of behaviors that clients use to cope with these schemas. This helps clients to understand the past influences on their beliefs, as well as to make sense of how this is impacting them in their current life and relationships. Clients develop tools to actively break their own negative patterns and learn more emotionally satisfying ways of being in relationships. Schema Therapy is a very powerful, active approach to change, addressing depression, anxiety, couple issues, childhood trauma and relationship issues in general.
For a more indepth understanding of how Schema Therapy works, please consider the following books and resources:
Re-Inventing Your Life, by Jeffrey Young
Disarming the Narcissist, by Wendy Behary
Breaking Negative Relationship Patterns: A Schema Therapy Self Help and Support Book, by Bruce Stevens and Eckhard Roediger
Google: A Client’s Guide to Schema Therapy, by David Bricker and Jeffrey Young, pages 1-23
