Schema Therapy
An Integrative Approach which explores how we develop
'self-defeating life patterns'.
What is Schema Therapy?
Schema Therapy is an integrative therapeutic model, which draws on a range of therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic, object relations, gestalt, person-centred and cognitive-behavioural (CBT), and is steeped in attachment and developmental theory and research.
Schema aims to change negative patterns or beliefs that people have lived with for a long time. The longstanding patterns or themes are called ‘schemas’ within schema therapy.
Emotive
Interpersonal
Cognitive
Behavioural
Why Schema Therapy might suit you.
Do you feel like your past events are still affecting your today and feel unresolved?
Do you find yourself over-reacting to situations?
Do you notice negative patterns in your romantic relationships?
Do you feel emotionally overwhelmed or experience mood swings?
Do you feel isolated with your past and you feel it stops you from living in the present?
Do you find yourself escaping from painful feelings/memories or thoughts through addictive behaviours?
How Schema Therapy can help.
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Build deeper awareness of the unhealthy patterns in your life.
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Understand the main triggers for these patterns.
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Learn how to change these patterns and get your needs met.
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A safe and supportive space to heal and process trauma.
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Lean how to break negative patterns in your relationships.
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Develop awareness of unhealthy coping responses and how to change these to break life patterns
What are Schemas?
A Schema is a pattern. It develops during childhood and adolescence and is activated again and again during your life. Schemas are formed from experiences where our core needs where not met.
Schemas affect how we see ourselves, the world around us and informs our expectations of how others will respond to us.
How schemas develop and affect us now:
If you have an Abandonment schema then as a child you did not get the needs for safety, security or predictability met.
As an adult, when this schema is triggered, you can have the feeling that you are unsafe, all alone, with no one to give you safety, emotional support, connection, strength, or protection you desperately need.
When our schemas are activated, they often trigger intense feelings, sensations, thoughts, and sometimes memories.
"Change is not hit-or-miss.
It requires constant practice"
Jeffery Young, Founder of Schema Therapy
What are Modes?
Modes are the moment-to-moment emotional states and coping responses that we all experience. Modes are comprised of strong emotions and/or rigid coping styles that take over and control an individual’s functioning.
The mode we are in can change rapidly and an overlap with each other. Modes can help us to frame our emotional experience and learn how we may be responding in ways which perpetuate our 'self-defeating life patterns' or Schemas.
Modes are different to schemas, as Modes also include behaviours.
Their are four groups of modes:
Child MODes
There are different groups of child modes which reflect core emotional states:
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Vulnerable Child Modes:
Feels sad, lost, scared, alone, hurt, helpless, weak, defective, powerless and hopeless
2. Angry Child Modes:
Feels intensely angry, enraged, infuriated and unheard. Vents anger in inappropriate ways. May act impulsively or give up quickly.
2. Happy Child Mode:
Feels loved, contented, protected, worthwhile, understood, nurtured, validated, playful and is a source of creativity and authenticity in life.
unhealthy coping modes
Our maladaptive (unhealthy) coping modes often develop in childhood to help us cope and survive. However, as adults there are more damaging and unhelpful and stop our Schemas from healing.
There are three groups of coping modes:
1. Avoidant Modes:
Finding ways to escape or block out our schemas
2. Overcompensation Modes:
Doing the opposite of what our schemas makes us feel.
3. Surrender Modes:
Giving in to our schemas and repeating them over and over.
Critical/
Punitive modes
The Punitive and Demanding critic modes represent that harsh, bullying, abusive, uncaring inner voice we can experience.
These modes often reflect how we have internalised the messages we received growing up or how experiences impacted on our sense of self worth and value.
1. Punitive Critic:
Attacking, shaming, bullying and unforgiving inner voice which leaves us feeling worthless and deserving of punishment.
2. Demanding Critic:
Continually pushes and pressures you to meet excessively high standards. Speaks with “shoulds” and sets rigid rules and standards.
Healthy Adult
This mode performs appropriate adult functions such as obtaining information, evaluating, problem solving, working, and parenting.
Does these things in a balanced and rational way, showing respect for own needs as well as respects for needs of others.
Takes responsibility for choices and actions, and also makes and keeps commitments.
Is humanly (emotionally) present and shows emotional intelligence, balancing appreciation of realistic concerns and emotional aspects (wise mind).
Often at the beginning of therapy this mode is underdeveloped or not present at all in some cases.
Interested in Schema Therapy?
Here are Mind the Path we are passionate about providing high quality and holistic Schema Therapy. We offer treatment programmes to suit your needs, whether this be in person, online, individual or group.
