Schema Therapy

Schemas are the underlying belief systems that govern the way we see the world.
 
For example, if as we are growing up, everyone in our life tells us we aren’t smart enough or good enough, that belief may become deeply ingrained and affect our future relationships, and life choices.  Schema Therapy helps us break free from those beliefs, helps identify problematic coping styles we might use in difficult situations and helps us develop new ways to feel and respond.
 
It is most appropriately used to treat personality disorders and longstanding patterns of behaving, thinking and feeling.  It relies on emotionally focused strategies such a imagery rescripting and chairwork.  Schema Therapy may be used alongside CBT or other modes of therapy, to best suit an individual’s needs.
 
Therapists who use Schema Therapy undertake specific training to be accredited in this kind of work. All Bridge psychologists have Schema Therapy skills.