Schema Therapy
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Schema Therapy and Internal Family Systems
Schema therapy is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which includes analytical CBT elements which can be understood as the emotional and cognitive “computer files” of the mind. These outdated files impact how we live and the choices we make. While in cognitive CBT we look at updating the cognitive and behavioural files of the mind that are “outdated”, in Schema Therapy we also update the emotional files from our past that are no longer “helping” us. Psychodynamic, Attachment Based, Hypnotic and Emotion-Focused Therapies are sometimes used in Schema Therapy to change negative mindsets or beliefs known as early maladaptive schemas that are thought to originate from difficult childhood experiences.
The use in Internal Family Systems theory may be an integral component of Schema Therapy as well as Attachment theory as we need to understand the old “outdated systems” in order to upgrade to those that are more functional in our daily lives. We can actually reprogram our maladaptive ingrained family systems that are no longer working for us to new, current systems that fit with our present state of being. At times, our attachment to caregivers may need to be addressed in this process but in many circumstances simply learning how to change our thinking on an emotional, cognitive and behavioural level is enough to shift to our present desired state of being.
Maladaptive Schemas
Our maladaptive schemas are those old outdated files, like those you might find on a computer system (Old windows 97) that cause havoc in our daily lives. We want to be operating from our current system (“Macbook 2022” for example ) and our old files simply do not match. In Schema-Focused Therapy, we aims to help the individual learn more about their particular schemas (core beliefs which come from the old operating system), including how they may have developed and how they might contribute to present-day challenges. It is through this understanding that the files can be updated and the individual can develop healthy coping styles rather than defence mechanism that are no longer working. Coping styles are initially used by individuals for developing these schemas to survive, but eventually they start to maintain that maladaptive schema.
Stress, anxiety, chronic depression, self esteem patterns, eating disorders, panic, and relationship issues and so many other patterns are connected to a core emotional need that was not met in childhood.
Through schema therapy, people are able to change not only the outdated thinking but also the core beliefs that are no longer working for them. The result is a happy, healthy and fulfilling life.
Read the more common Schema’s related to the main core needs necessary for positive development adapted from Jeffery E. Young’s: Schema Therapy: A Practitioner’s Guide
