Foster new meaning out of life struggles with Schema Therapy

Schema Therapy was developed by Jeffrey Young for conditions that did not respond well to traditional forms of psychotherapy. Young recognized that if any of the 5 core needs, which include:

secure attachment
Autonomy
freedom to express valid needs and emotions
spontaneity and play, and
realistic limits and self-control

If these core needs were not adequately met in childhood, maladaptive schema s will form. He conceptualized 18 early maladaptive schemas and 4 broad categories of modes (behaviors that activate when schemas are triggered). For those reading this and trying to understand, schemas are enduring ways of thinking about oneself, others, and the world in general. We all have a unique mix of schemas that are both healthy and problematic. If the problematic schemas are severe they can lead to chronic life problems across many life domains (including relationships, work/school functioning, self-confidence, and sense of self). The effectiveness of Schema Therapy resides in many of its healing components, including the felt relational connection with the therapist through "limited reparenting" and "empathic confrontation" as well as experiential techniques such as imagery rescripting and transformational chair work. Over time, healthy coping strategies are developed, schemas gradually become less triggering, and emotions and life challenges are more easily managed.

For those reading this and trying to understand, schemas are enduring ways of thinking about oneself, others, and the world in general. We all have a unique mix of schemas that are both healthy and problematic. If the problematic schemas are severe they can lead to chronic life problems across many life domains (including relationships, work/school functioning, self-confidence, and sense of self). The effectiveness of Schema Therapy resides in many of its healing components, including the felt relational connection with the therapist through "limited reparenting" and "empathic confrontation" as well as experiential techniques such as imagery re-scripting and transformational chair work. Over time, healthy coping strategies are developed, schemas gradually become less triggering, and emotions and life challenges are more easily managed.

A good introduction to Schema Therapy is the self-help book "Reinventing Your Life: The Breakthrough Program to End Negative Behavior and Feel Great Again" by Jeffrey Young, PhD. I am an Advanced Certified Schema Therapist, Supervisor and Trainer and am a member of the International Society of Schema Therapy .
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