Schema Therapy

Schema Therapy is one of the therapeutic approaches that we use in our practice at Psychwest.

It is an evidence-based therapy that helps people understand and change long-standing patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving that may be contributing to ongoing emotional difficulties. These patterns, known as schemas, often develop during childhood or adolescence and can continue to influence relationships, self-esteem, coping strategies and mental health throughout adulthood.

Schemas are deeply held beliefs about ourselves, others and the world around us. For example, a person may develop beliefs such as "I'm not good enough", "People will leave me", or "My needs don't matter". While these beliefs may have developed as a way of coping with difficult experiences, they can become unhelpful and continue to create challenges later in life.

Schema Therapy helps you identify these patterns, understand where they came from, and develop healthier ways of responding to life's challenges. It combines elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, attachment theory and experiential techniques to create lasting emotional change.

This approach can help treat a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, personality disorders, eating disorders, trauma-related difficulties, low self-esteem and emotional regulation challenges.