Schema Therapy

Schema therapy helps us understand why we behave the way we do and how our emotions work. It looks at the pattern and beliefs we develop, - often from the unmet childhood needs in childhood. When these needs aren’t met, we create “schemas”- these are thoughts and feelings that influence how we see ourselves and the world around us. As adults, this can make us react in ways that don’t fit with our current situation.

The therapy guides us to heal these emotional wounds. It helps us to understand about ourselves and others and encourages us to adopt healthier beliefs and behaviours.

Schema therapy helps us to grow into the kind of adults we want to be – people who are aware of their emotions- can respond well to different situations, have positive beliefs that helps us function daily, and can build healthy relationship with ourselves and others.

How Does Schema Therapy Work?

Schema Therapy works on the idea of ‘schemas’, which are described as enduring patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that usually form during childhood or early development and carry over into adult life. Schemas develop from the interplay between a child’s inherent temperament and their interactions with parents, siblings or peers.

Everyone has a different set of schemas relating to their childhood experiences. Not every schema you possess is harmful. Positive and neutral schemas also exist alongside the more commonly discussed negative ones. These positive and neutral schemas help people understand how individuals understand and interact with the world and the people around them.

Techniques Used in Schema Therapy

At Breathe-In Psychology, we use various schema therapy techniques, including cognitive restructuring, experiential exercises, schema mode work, behavioural pattern-breaking, empathic confrontation, limited reparenting, homework assignments, and emotion regulation. These techniques help people identify, challenge, and change maladaptive schemas. If you need more information on these techniques, please don’t hesitate to contact us !

Conditions Schema Therapy Can Treat

Schema Therapy can effectively treat various psychological conditions, particularly those rooted in early life experiences and characterised by deeply ingrained patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Here are some of the conditions schema therapy can help treat:

• Personality Disorders (e.g. BPD, NPD)
• Chronic Depression
• Anxiety Disorders
• Relationship Problems
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Smrity Sharma

Smrity Sharma is a Registered Psychologist. She blends mindfulness and cognitive strategies to treat diverse mental health concerns. Her areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, stress, grief, anger management, trauma, PTSD, autism spectrum disorders, childhood/adolescent issues, and relationship difficulties.

Contact us today to book your appointment for Schema Therapy!