What Is Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy (ST) is an integrative, innovative, and creative form of psychotherapy that combines elements of cognitive behavioural therapy, attachment theory, and psychodynamic approaches. It focuses on understanding and transforming deep, recurring emotional patterns — called schemas — that shape how we think, feel, and relate to others.
Schemas (also known as early maladaptive schemas) are long-standing emotional and cognitive patterns that often form when important childhood needs are not adequately met — such as the need for safety, love, freedom of self-expression, play, and consistent boundaries.
When these needs are neglected or violated, we may internalise painful beliefs like “I\'m not good enough,” “People always leave me,” or “The world is unsafe.” Do you ever notice that certain experiences keep repeating — unfulfilling relationships, critical work environments, or feeling unseen despite your efforts? These are often signs of active schemas.
For example, someone with an Abandonment Schema may repeatedly choose emotionally unavailable partners, while a person with a Defectiveness Schema might feel drawn to critical or rejecting people, reinforcing their sense of unworthiness.
In childhood, we often learn coping strategies to protect ourselves — by surrendering to, avoiding, or overcompensating for these painful beliefs. While these strategies once helped us survive, in adulthood they can keep us stuck in familiar yet unhelpful patterns.
Schema Therapy is not only reflective but also experiential. It invites both the mind and the body into the healing process. Through creative and embodied techniques — such as guided imagery, chair work, or gentle body awareness — we can deepen emotional understanding and reconnect with unmet needs in a compassionate way.
Healing begins when we learn to observe our patterns with empathy rather than criticism. Schema Therapy offers both insight and emotional repair — helping you develop a new, more caring relationship with yourself and others. Change takes time, but it is possible. With the support of a therapist, you can begin to build a life that feels safe, authentic, and connected.
