Schema Therapy’s Treatment Methodology

There are several techniques used in schema therapy to help patients understand and change their maladaptive schemas. Some of the most common techniques used in schema therapy include:

1. Mode Work: This technique is used to help patients understand different aspects of their personality, or “modes,” and how they are related to their schemas. Patients are encouraged to explore different modes, such as the “healthy adult” mode and the “vulnerable child” mode, and to understand how these modes are activated by different life events.
2. Imagery Re-Scripting: This technique is used to help patients change their negative schemas by creating new, positive images and narratives in their mind. This can involve visualizing themselves in a positive scenario, or creating a new inner dialogue that is more supportive and self-compassionate.
3. Chair Work: This technique is used to help patients explore different parts of their personality, which can be represented by different people sitting in chairs. The therapist and patient role-play different interactions between these different parts in order to gain insight into how they interact and how to improve their interactions.
4. Emotion Regulation: Schema therapy techniques often focus on helping patient identify their emotions and understand how they react to them. Once they understand, they can develop strategies to help regulate those emotions.
5. Behavioral techniques: Commonly used to test out and reinforce new ways of thinking and interacting with the environment, such as behavioral experiments and behavioral homework.
6. Schema mode diary: Patients are asked to track their thoughts, emotions, behaviors and physical sensations over time to understand how different schema modes are activated and interact with each other.

These are some of the main techniques used in schema therapy, but it’s important to note that the therapy can also involve other therapeutic modalities such as cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, psychodynamic work, and others. Additionally, Schema therapy is a flexible and adaptive approach, so therapist may adjust the techniques they use depending on the patient’s needs and progress.