What is schema therapy?
Schema Therapy is an integrative, evidence-based psychological treatment that includes elements of CBT, attachment theory, and psychodynamic exploration of early childhood experiences. It was developed by Dr. Jeffrey Young in the 1990s, and was initially designed to treat individuals with persistent mental health problems - particularly personality disorders, and other treatment-resistant concerns. Schema therapy is effective in addressing a broad range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, complex trauma, and relationship difficulties.
The schemas
Early maladaptive schemas are deeply ingrained patterns of thought, emotion and behaviour that develop during childhood and throughout adolescence. They are formed when primary emotional needs that we all have — including attachment, autonomy, safe boundaries and the freedom to express ourselves — are not adequately met. As a result, individuals develop distorted beliefs about themselves, others and the world, which can persist into adulthood and contribute to emotional distress and dysfunctional behaviour.
The modes
Schema modes are emotional states - or coping responses - that people find themselves in when their schemas are ‘activated'. These coping modes are categorised into four broad types:
Child Modes (e.g., Vulnerable Child, Angry Child)
Maladaptive Coping Modes (e.g., Detached Protector, Compliant Surrenderer)
Dysfunctional Parent Modes (e.g., Punitive Parent, Demanding Parent)
Healthy Adult Mode – the ideal state that integrates emotional awareness, rational thought, and nurturing self-care.
Schema therapy aims to help people to first identify their own vulnerabilities and schemas, then to understand how they cope with schema modes, and re-parent their child mode to promote balanced, and adaptive functioning.
Therapeutic approach
Schema therapy is a structured, yet flexible approach that typically includes numerous stages:
Assessment and Education: Unmet emotional needs and core schemas are explored, along with the identification of coping modes. Psychoeducation is provided to help clients understand how their schemas were formed and how they manifest in their current lives.
Experiential Techniques: Imagery re-scripting and chair work are commonly used to ‘access’ and ‘reprocess’ painful memories associated with the person’s unmet needs. These techniques can be powerful to help shift deeply rooted core beliefs (schemas).
Cognitive and Behavioural Strategies: Clients are supported to challenge maladaptive thoughts and behaviours that are linked to their schemas. New, more adaptive patterns are rehearsed.
Limited Reparenting: Within professional boundaries, therapists support clients to experience a corrective emotional relationship—something that was often missing in their early development.
Who can benefit from schema therapy?
Schema therapy has demonstrated effectiveness with:
Personality disorders, especially borderline personality disorder (BPD)
Chronic depression and anxiety
Complex PTSD
Interpersonal and attachment difficulties
Eating disorders and substance use (when rooted in long-standing schemas)
Research supports the long-term benefits of schema therapy, with clients often reporting lasting change in how they perceive themselves and relate to others.
If you believe this therapy is a good fit for you, contact us or book an appointment to speak to our psychologist. Explore Psychology offers both face Telehealth (online video) and face-to-face consultations in Geelong.