Schema Therapy

Schema therapy integrates cognitive behavioural, experiential, interpersonal and psychoanalytic therapies into one model. Developed by Dr Jeff Young, for clients who did respond to more standard therapeutic approaches, Schema therapy focuses on helping people to change long-standing negative (or maladaptive) patterns of behaviour and thinking.  The schema approach stresses that these maladaptive patterns have often developed in childhood as a result of a child's basic needs not being met and that the meeting of these needs is essential to an individual's development as a psychologically healthy adult.  Schema therapy helps clients to address and modify maladaptive ways of thinking, feeling and coping in order to be able to manage life, relationships and goals more effectively.

Schema therapy is a longer-term therapy and the number of sessions will depend upon your difficulties and goals.  You may find this approach helpful if you have struggled with long term recurrent difficulties around relationships, chronic depression and/or anxiety or identity issues.

Please read the article below for more information:

A clients guide to Schema Therapy (.pdf - opens in new window)