Photo of Dr. Desirée N. Robinson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 21228, MD
Dr. Desirée N. Robinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, ACS
Verified Verified
Catonsville, MD 21228  (Online Only)
Intimacy Injuries are rampant and even normalized in today’s environment. Whether these emotional wounds show up in regards to your relationship with yourself, your significant others, or your family members; the opportunity to ameliorate those hurts is here! In my work as a Psychotherapist, I specialize in Sex, Intimacy, and Trauma as well as a Bariatric Specialist with self-identity before and after Weight Loss Surgery. If you also identify as Highly Sensitive or Introverted, let's have a chat about how to uncover how you may be hiding your greatness in plain sight!
Intimacy Injuries are rampant and even normalized in today’s environment. Whether these emotional wounds show up in regards to your relationship with yourself, your significant others, or your family members; the opportunity to ameliorate those hurts is here! In my work as a Psychotherapist, I specialize in Sex, Intimacy, and Trauma as well as a Bariatric Specialist with self-identity before and after Weight Loss Surgery. If you also identify as Highly Sensitive or Introverted, let's have a chat about how to uncover how you may be hiding your greatness in plain sight!
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Schema Therapy

How does schema therapy work?

Schema therapy is based on the idea that maladaptive thought patterns formed in childhood—that other people can never be relied on, for example—can interfere with healthy functioning in adulthood. Accordingly, schema therapy works by directly targeting such unhealthy schemas, identifying their consequences, and replacing them with more adaptive ways of thinking. To this end, schema therapists aim to “reparent” the client by offering what they didn’t get in childhood—validation, for instance, or compassion—to reorient their worldview.

Is schema therapy evidence-based?

Schema therapy is still considered relatively new, and research on its efficacy is still in progress. However, some studies have concluded that it can be effective at treating certain mental health conditions, most notably personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder. Evidence for its efficacy in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD is promising but less conclusive, and experts warn that much of the existing research is of low quality.

Is schema therapy a type of CBT?

Schema therapy is based on many principles of CBT, most notably the process of recognizing and challenging maladaptive thought patterns. But because schema therapy also draws from other approaches,including psychoanalysis and Gestalt therapy, it is not considered a form of CBT. It also typically delves deeper into the client’s childhood than does CBT.

How does schema therapy work?

Schema therapy does not call for a set number of sessions and is instead open-ended, with the treatment timeline depending on the client’s primary concern(s), progress, and preferences. Treatment that lasts between six months and two years is common, though many clients will start to see progress much earlier than that.