Schema Therapy
A therapy to address adverse childhood events (ACEs) and early maladaptive schemas (EMS) to cope with life and relationships
Reasons for Schema Therapy
To assist with childhood memories impacting on the present
To eliminate negative childhood schemas impacting on self-esteem, self-worth, worldviews etc
To make sense of patterns of behaviours in relationships
To identify maladaptive responses in your day to day life
To provide a reflective safe space for people who wish/need to validate adverse childhood events
To support individuals with personal and emotional health post trauma recovery
To allow for better relationships with ourselves and others
To address mental health issues such as PTDS, depression, anxiety, personality disorders etc.
About Schema Therapy
Schema therapy is a type of therapy that targets schemas, a term used to describe maladaptive patterns of thinking that cause people to engage in unhealthy behaviours and/or struggle to maintain adult relationships. Schemas generally develop during childhood, particularly in children whose emotional and physical needs weren’t met; they may also develop in children who were overindulged or whose parents did not maintain proper boundaries. In adulthood, these schemas are thought to influence an individual’s thoughts and actions in negative ways—leading to behaviors such as avoidance, overcompensation, or subjugation.
These behaviors, in turn, can negatively affect relationships and emotional well-being. The aim of schema therapy is to help the individual recognize their behavior, understand the underlying cause(s), and change their thoughts and behaviors so that they’re better able to cope with relationship challenges or emotions in healthy, productive ways. Schema therapy combines elements of CBT, Gestalt therapy, EMDR and other related approaches.
Schema therapy is typically a longer-term form of therapy (meaning it may continue for months or years, rather than a limited number of sessions). Over time, therapists aim to help clients identify their schemas, recognize how they react to them—reactions known as “coping styles”—and learn what they can do differently to get their needs met in healthy, adaptive ways.
Once schemas and coping styles have been identified, the therapist will likely use a range of techniques to change the schemas themselves and/or replace unhealthy coping styles with adaptive behaviors. This is done through a range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral techniques. Cognitive approaches, for example, may ask the client to look for evidence for and against the schema and directly challenge its veracity. Behavioral techniques might include role-playing common situations that trigger the schema, acting out an adaptive response instead of resorting to the maladaptive coping style.
If you believe that Schema therapy may benefit you, please contact me.
Contact Me
Ask a question or book an appointment below. For emergencies call 000 or visit your nearest hospital
My Details:
For general enquiries call 0403 774 459
Send me an email at hello@stephanieazri.com
I am located at 10 James St, Beenleigh
