Schema Therapy Adelaide

A schema is a deeply held belief or pattern, something like ‘I am unlovable’ or ‘the world is unsafe’, that developed over time, often in response to distress experienced earlier in life. In popular psychology, they have also been called ‘lifetraps’.

Moods and emotions shift day to day. On the other hand, schemas tend to be much more stable and persistent, which is why they often need a more targeted approach to change.

Unlike some therapies, schema therapy is typically a longer-term treatment. This is because it works with deeply ingrained patterns that have often developed over many years. The length of treatment will depend on your individual needs and goals.

Not necessarily in the way you might expect. Schema therapy explores earlier life experiences, but the focus is always on understanding how the past shows up in the present, not reliving it for its own sake. The only reason we focus on your past is to make your present, and future, better. Your psychologist will move at a pace that feels manageable for you.

Schema therapy may be a useful approach for a range of mental health conditions, if underlying schemas may be getting in the way of flourishing, which could include obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder. Many people try schema therapy if another therapy hasn’t been successful, as it can help work through patterns that might be ‘deeply rooted’. Your psychologist will assess whether it may be appropriate for your specific situation or whether another evidence-based approach may be a better fit.

Schema therapy may play a role in suicide prevention by addressing the deep-rooted beliefs about self-worth and hopelessness that may be contributing to suicidal thoughts or feelings.

However, this would always be assessed carefully by your psychologist, who will check that the right level of support is in place for your individual needs. Active safety planning is also an important part of managing any suicidal thoughts, as well as reaching out to crisis supports as needed.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviours in the present. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) emphasises practical skills for managing overwhelming emotions.

Schema therapy aims to go deeper, exploring how beliefs formed earlier in life, often through unmet emotional needs, are driving your current patterns. It incorporates more experiential and emotion-focused techniques in the therapy room, aiming to create significant shifts in how people feel.