Schema Therapy

What is a Schema?

A schema is a framework for our minds to understand our world. All of us have certain beliefs about who we are, how the world is, what others expect of us and what we need from them. These sub-conscious beliefs or schemas are formed very early in our lives, through a complex interaction between our temperament and childhood experiences.

For example, a child who received enough nurture and affection from the care-givers, will likely grow up to believe that they are generally likable, and will generally conduct themselves in a warm and outgoing manner with others. On the contrary, a child whose need for affection was not met with adequately, may believe that they are not good enough. A deep feeling of defectiveness may define their schema about themselves as they grow. They may withdraw themselves from others or become extremely approval-seeking. They may hesitate from taking initiatives and often let useful opportunities pass by. They may even endure abusive relationships.

Thus, schemas can be either healthy or maladpadaptive. Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) make us ignore our values and instead indulge in self-defeating behavioral patterns. Instead of helping us navigate the world in a balanced and goal-oriented way, the faulty beliefs make us act in a dysfunctional manner, create massive emotional distress from time to time and do not let us form and enjoy meaningful relationships. They are often precursors for chronic depression and anxiety and are at the core of Personality Disorders.

Is it possible to change an EMS?

Yes, absolutely! Changing an EMS involves three important processes – deciphering the origins of the EMS, healing the schema itself and behavioral change. Schema Therapy works to heal dysfunctional core beliefs and reduce their influence on your experience of life. Free from the dominance of the maladaptive schema, you can live a fuller, richer and more meaningful life that is aligned with your core values and devoid of extreme and enduring emotional distress.

Though it may seem difficult, this is a journey you will undertake with your therapist at your side. We employ a variety of psychotherapy techniques in Schema Therapy, depending on the stage of therapy and clients comfort. This therapy is not just about knowing the right stuff, but also experiencing it.

Is Schema Therapy for me?

Do you often find yourself thinking – Why do I get myself into this situation over and over? Why cant I change, even though I know what I have to do? Why do these things always happen to me?

Do you find yourself avoiding opportunities, not taking initiative, procrastinating?

Do you repeatedly find yourself in unhealthy relationships, find it difficult to stand up for yourself, give in more often than not to others demands?

Is it difficult for you to express your emotions appropriately? Do you go through extremely painful emotional experiences? Are you prone to self-destructive behavior including self-harm?

If these questions resonate with you, Schema Therapy is for you. Schema Therapy is especially helpful for chronic emotional and mental health issues.

There is a growing body of research pointing towards the robust efficiency of Schema Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder over any other form of psychotherapy. Similarly for other Personality Disorders, Schema Therapy is proving to be a superior method for clinically significant positive outcomes. Eating Disorders respond very well to Schema Therapy. It is as effective as EMDR if not more, for the treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Schema Therapy alone or as a part of treatment for chronic depression and various anxiety disorders expedites the process of healing and prevents relapses. In addition to these, we have used it successfully to treat Dissociative-Identity Disorder, Social Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

How long does it take?

With the help of a skilled schema therapist, you can expect to understand your schemas initially and then work on them at a pace you are comfortable with. Some clients may require more frequent sessions, but we typically recommend once a week sessions for the first 6 months. Once you have learned the necessary skills to cope with your symptoms as and when required, we reduce the frequency to once in two weeks and so on. It can take anywhere from 4 months to 2 years.