Schema Therapy is an integrative form of therapy, which means that it draws upon theory and techniques from different therapeutic approaches. It has cognitive and behavioural components, with which it integrates theory rooted in psychoanalytic thinking, specifically object relations and attachment theory, and techniques from Gestalt Therapy.
Schemas are prevalent and self-defeating patterns of perceiving and feeling which map onto unmet emotional needs. According to Schema Therapy theory, when core human emotional needs are left unmet during childhood and/or adolescence, unless that deprivation heals, it tends to be replicated, often unconsciously, in adulthood. Thinking patterns and behaviours developed to cope with deprivation at that time, which may have brought some relief, maintained in adulthood can inadvertently serve to perpetuate those emotional needs remaining unmet. Through identifying your schemas and unhelpful coping responses, you can become more conscious of why you think, feel and act in the way that you do, which is the first step towards improving your life.
As a Schema Therapy practitioner I offer you a corrective emotional experience, which will enable you to begin to heal, through the quality of the relationship we form and experiential methods we use. Cognitive, behavioural and experiential techniques are beneficial for undermining unhelpful behavioural and thinking patterns, and developing healthier ones. Schema Therapy centres on working with the underlying issues and deprivation from which symptoms and difficulties are derived. It is an evidence-based approach which is particularly helpful for people who experience problems in their relationships, for working with entrenched ways of thinking, behaving and relating, and if you have perhaps tried alternative forms of therapy with limited success.
Primarily CBT focuses on the interconnectedness between our cognitions i.e. thoughts, attitudes and belief systems, our emotions, behaviours and physiological responses, within the ‘here and now’. We do not always manage our feelings in a way which is ultimately helpful for us. CBT provides a frame through which your thoughts and behaviours can be examined and modified, if necessary, to change how you feel. It is an evidence-based approach which has the capacity to reduce symptoms associated with depression and anxiety disorders, particularly when they are interfering with your ability to function.