Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a pattern of unhealthy thoughts, behaviors, or relationships? Do past experiences seem to echo in your present, impacting your well-being? If so, you're not alone. Many individuals struggle with unconscious patterns that influence their choices and limit their potential. This is where Schema Therapy steps in, offering a unique approach to healing and growth.
What is Schema Therapy?
Imagine your mind as a filing cabinet. Schema Therapy views early experiences as "schemas" stored in that cabinet. Schemas stem from our childhood experiences and are the lens through which we see the world, they are our core beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world. While some schemas are healthy, maladaptive schemas can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, distorted self-perception, and difficulties in relationships. When our schemas are triggered, we flip into a schema mode. We all have schema modes. A schema mode the part of ourselves that dominates how we feel, behave and think in any given moment.
Schema Therapy helps you:
Identify your schemas (underlying beliefs) and modes (ways of being).
Understand the impact of schemas and modes on your life.
Develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Challenge negative schemas and modes.
Build healthier relationships.
What difficulties can Schema Therapy help with?
Schema Therapy is used with a range of psychological difficulties, including:
Personality disorders
Problems relating to yourself such as low self-esteem
Relationship problems
Anxiety disorders
Depression
What happens in a Schema Therapy session?
In a Schema Therapy session, you'll work with a therapist to explore your schemas in a safe and supportive space.
You'll learn to:
Recognize your triggers: Identify situations or people that activate your unhelpful schemas, which in turn leads you to flip into a mode.
Map out your schemas and modes: understand what schemas and modes you hold and where these originated.
Develop a "healthy adult mode": This is a part of you that can make wise choices and act in line with your values.
Soothe your vulnerable child mode: This is the part of you that feels low, lonely, and unloved.
Challenge and reframe unhelpful schemas: use various techniques such as imagery and chair work to diminish your inner critic and the schemas underlying this.
Develop effective coping skills: to help you cope with life’s difficulties in a healthy way, without recourse to those old recurring patterns of unhelpful behaviors.
Ready to explore Schema Therapy for yourself?
If you're struggling with psychological difficulties and believe your past experiences may be shaping your present, consider exploring Schema Therapy. I am accredited Schema Therapist by the International Society of Schema Therapy and offer online therapy sessions tailored to your unique needs, to help you break free from limiting patterns and achieve your full potential. Together, we can embark on a journey of healing and empower you to live a life that truly reflects your values and desires.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and self-awareness. Schedule a free consultation with me today.
Additional Resources:
The International Society of Schema Therapy: https://www.schematherapysociety.org/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/therapy-types/schema-therapy
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