What is Schema Therapy?

Schema-focussed therapy was developed in the United States in the 1980’s and 1990’s by Dr Jeffrey Young. It has since developed and has become a mainstream therapy across North America, South America, Europe, Australia and now, here in South Africa. Schema-focussed therapy is an integrative approach to therapy and incorporates many aspects of cognitive therapies, Gestalt therapy, Object-Relations theory and emotionally-focussed therapy, amongst others. It is a longer-term therapy and was originally developed to treat Borderline Personality and Narcissistic personality disorders, but has been proven to be very effective in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression. It is continually being researched further around the World and has been found to be effective in the treatment of eating disorders, substance & alcohol abuse, anxiety and other personality disorders.

Schema therapy is based on the principle that people develop Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS’s) due to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s). Schemas become “filters” that people see their adult reality through, and perpetuate the maladaptive core themes or schemas that developed during their childhood years. They then begin engaging in what is known as Coping Modes that lead people to behave in certain ways or to try and alleviate some emotional states. Identifying and modifying those Early Maladaptive Schemas and Coping Modes is central to Schema-focussed Therapy – healing the EMS’s and developing their Healthy Inner Adult.

For more info go to https://schematherapysociety.org/Schema-Therapy

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