Schema Therapy

Schema therapy is grounded in the view that our early experiences can create enduring beliefs and emotional patterns (“schemas”) that shape how we see and respond to ourselves, others, and the world. The aim of schema therapy is to support you to understand where long-standing beliefs and emotional patterns came from, and to develop healthier ways of relating to yourself, others, and the world around you. Schema therapy is typically a longer-term approach as it aims to address deeply ingrained patterns.

Sometimes these patterns become more noticeable as you move further into adult life. You may find yourself repeating similar patterns in relationships, taking on too much responsibility, finding it difficult to express your needs or noticing that particular situations consistently bring up strong emotional responses.

You may already have some understanding of experiences from earlier in your life, but still feel unsure about why they continue to affect you now.

A schema therapy based approach may be a good fit for you if you’re struggling with:

  • Longstanding patterns in thinking, feeling, and behaving that have repeated across different relationships and situations

  • Deep-seated unmet emotional needs, often dating back to childhood experiences

  • Difficulties with relationships, self-worth, or emotion regulation

  • Depression, anxiety, or personality concerns that haven't resolved with other treatments

When I use a schema therapy informed approach, I support you to identify the underlying patterns that drive your difficulties. We work together to understand how these patterns developed and how they at one stage helped you cope with past difficulties. I’ll then work with you to find ways to gradually shift these patterns. We’ll also work together to find new, healthy ways for you to meet your emotional needs.

This isn’t about simply looking back at the past. Developing an understanding of where these patterns came from can help make sense of why you respond in particular ways now and why some patterns can be so difficult to change.

Over time, the aim is to help you move away from patterns that are no longer helpful and develop new ways of relating to yourself and others that support the life you want to live.

Begin a conversation

If you'd like to learn more about working together, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute call.

It’s a chance to tell me a little about what’s brought you to therapy, ask any questions you have and see whether I might be the right psychologist for you.