Schema Therapy
The word "schema" is derived from the Greek word "σχήμα" (schēma), which means "shape, form, figure." The term was first used in psychology by the Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget to refer to an internal mental structure or framework that guides our perception, thinking, and understanding of the world around us. The concept of a schema has since been expanded to include a wide range of mental models, including mental representations of objects, events, people, and situations, and has been widely used in various fields such as psychology, sociology, and computer science.
“Schema Therapy” is a form of psychotherapy that is based on the idea that individuals develop maladaptive patterns of behaviour, thoughts, and emotions (called schemas) early in life. These schemas are triggered in response to certain situations and lead to negative emotions, self-defeating behaviour, and relationship problems. Schema therapy aims to identify and change these maladaptive schemas in order to improve the individual's mental health and well-being.
The basic principles of schema therapy include identifying and understanding the patient's schemas, helping the patient to develop new coping mechanisms and behaviours, and helping the patient to form healthier relationships. The therapist helps the patient to identify their schemas through the use of questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Once the schemas have been identified, the therapist helps the patient to develop new coping mechanisms and behaviours through a variety of therapeutic techniques.
There are 18 schemas that have been identified in schema therapy.
Schemas of Disconnection and Rejection
The Schemas of Disconnection and Rejection in Schema Therapy are a group of early maladaptive schemas that refer to patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaviour that arise from experiences of disconnection and rejection in childhood and adulthood. People with these schemas tend to experience feelings of insecurity, fear of abandonment or rejection, low self-esteem, and a need for excessive reassurance from others. They may also engage in behaviours that prioritize avoiding rejection or abandonment, such as clinginess, self-sufficiency, or entitlement. These schemas can lead to difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships and can result in a cycle of disconnection and rejection.
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Abandonment/Instability
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Mistrust/Abuse
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Emotional Deprivation
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Defectiveness/Shame
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Social Isolation/Alienation
Schemas of Impaired Autonomy and Performance
The Schemas of Impaired Autonomy and Performance in Schema Therapy are a group of early maladaptive schemas that refer to patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaviour that arise from experiences of insecurity, self-doubt, and lack of control in childhood and adulthood. People with these schemas tend to experience feelings of emotional suppression, insecurity, and a lack of self-esteem. They may also engage in behaviours that prioritize pleasing others or achieving high standards, leading to difficulty expressing themselves, achieving goals, and feeling fulfilled. These schemas can lead to difficulties in developing a sense of self, pursuing personal goals, and experiencing personal satisfaction and can result in a cycle of impaired autonomy and performance.
6. Dependence/Incompetence
7. Vulnerability To Harm or Illness
8. Enmeshment/Undeveloped Self
9. Failure
Schemas of Impaired Limits
The Schemas of Impaired Limits in Schema Therapy are a group of early maladaptive schemas that refer to patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaviour that arise from experiences of poor boundaries, self-control, and discipline in childhood and adulthood. People with these schemas tend to experience feelings of entitlement, impulsiveness, and a lack of control. They may also engage in behaviours that prioritize immediate gratification, such as impulsive decision making, entitlement, or self-sacrifice. These schemas can lead to difficulties in setting and maintaining healthy boundaries, regulating emotions, and achieving goals and can result in a cycle of impaired limits.
10. Entitlement/Grandiosity
11. Insufficient Self-Control/Self-Discipline
Schemas of Other-Directedness
The Schemas of Other-Directedness in Schema Therapy are a group of early maladaptive schemas that refer to patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaviour that arise from experiences of prioritizing others' needs and desires over one's own in childhood and adulthood. People with these schemas tend to prioritize others' opinions, desires, and needs and may engage in behaviours such as self-sacrifice and people-pleasing.. These schemas can lead to difficulty asserting one's own needs, expressing emotions, and feeling fulfilled and can result in a cycle of other-directedness.
12. Subjugation
13. Self-Sacrifice
14. Approval-Seeking/Recognition-Seeking
Schemas of Overindulgence and Inhibition
The Schemas of Overindulgence and Inhibition in Schema Therapy refer to patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaviour that arise from experiences of excessive self-gratification or excessive self-denial in childhood and adulthood. People with overindulgence schemas may engage in behaviours such as overeating, substance abuse, gambling, and compulsive spending, while those with inhibition schemas may restrict their own needs, avoid pleasure, and engage in self-criticism and perfectionism. These schemas can lead to a sense of dissatisfaction and unhappiness, difficulty in regulating emotions, and difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships. With therapy and support, individuals with these schemas can learn to balance their needs and desires, develop a healthier relationship with themselves, and improve their overall sense of well-being.
15. Negativity/Pessimism
16. Emotional Inhibition
17. Unrelenting Standards/Hypercriticalness
18. Punitiveness
Once the patient has identified their schemas, the therapist helps the patient to develop new coping mechanisms and behaviours through a variety of techniques such as Hakomi, and Internal Family Systems.
In addition to these techniques, the therapist also helps the patient to form healthier relationships. This can involve teaching the patient how to communicate effectively, how to set boundaries, and how to form healthy relationships.
In conclusion, schema therapy is a form of psychotherapy that is based on the idea that individuals develop maladaptive patterns (or “schemas”) of behaviour, thoughts, and emotions early in life. These schemas are triggered in response to certain situations and lead to negative emotions, self-defeating behaviour, and relationship problems. Schema therapy aims to identify and change these maladaptive schemas to improve the individual's mental health and well-being. The therapist uses different therapeutic approaches to help the patient develop new coping mechanisms and behaviours, and to form healthier relationships.
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