Schema Therapy

Schema therapy is an integration of several different theories that were combined to treat chronic psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, as well as more severe personality disorders. Healing of maladaptive schema, or pervasive dysfunctional cognitive themes, is the ultimate goal of schema therapy. For the client, the schema includes a set of memories, emotions, bodily sensations, and cognitions; the healing involves techniques that target all of these areas and start with the initial schema assessment inventory. This approach utilizes several theoretical approaches to address dysfunctional patterns of memories, emotions, cognitions (e.g., schemas), and behaviors that developed during childhood.