What is Schema Therapy?

Schema Therapy is a type of therapy we provide in Glasgow, designed to help people understand and change deep-seated patterns in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. These patterns, known as schemas, often develop in childhood and can influence how we react to situations as adults. The therapy was created by Dr. Jeffrey Young in the 1990s to address complex emotional issues that other therapies might not fully resolve.

How Did It Develop?

Developed by integrating ideas from different therapeutic approaches, Schema Therapy combines elements from cognitive-behavioural therapy, attachment theory, and emotion-focused therapy. This blend helps to address deeply ingrained problems, making it particularly effective for those with personality disorders or ongoing emotional challenges that are difficult to treat with standard methods.

What Are Schemas?

Schemas are negative patterns or themes that start in childhood and affect our behaviour and relationships in adulthood. These might include feelings of abandonment, mistrust, or emotional deprivation. Such schemas can lead to unhealthy ways of coping, which Schema Therapy aims to identify and change, helping individuals break free from these harmful cycles. An example of this is given in one of our recent blog posts.

How Does It Work?

In Schema Therapy, you work closely with a therapist to uncover and understand these patterns. Together, you explore your thoughts and emotions through conversations, visualisation, and exercises. The goal is to recognise these patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding. The therapy focuses on changing the behaviours and thoughts that reinforce these negative schemas.

What Can It Help With?

Schema Therapy is effective for a range of psychological issues. It is particularly useful for addressing personality disorders, such as borderline and narcissistic personality disorders. It also helps with chronic depression and anxiety, offering strategies to manage these conditions. Additionally, it can improve relationship problems by addressing patterns that hinder healthy connections, and it aids in processing complex trauma.

Benefits of Schema Therapy

The therapy aims to create deep and lasting change by targeting the root causes of emotional difficulties, rather than just the symptoms. It helps individuals improve their relationships by fostering healthier connections with others. Moreover, it enhances self-awareness, encouraging a deeper understanding of one’s emotions and behaviours. Schema Therapy seeks long-term improvement and emotional resilience.

Is Schema Therapy for You?

If you often feel trapped by recurring negative patterns or overwhelmed by emotions, Schema Therapy might be the right choice for you. It provides a structured and supportive environment to explore and change these patterns, offering a path to healing past wounds and building a more fulfilling future.

We have several experts who provide schema therapy in Glasgow, including Dr. Aisha Tariq, Dr. Caoimhe Clarke, Dr. Humera Millar, Dr. Jessica Wainman-Lefley, and Dr. Louise Legg.

Here is our Clinical Director, Dr. Aisha Tariq, speaking about Schema Therapy for the Counselling Directory.