Photo of Michelle Hunt, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 40511, KY
Michelle Hunt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lexington, KY 40511
Not accepting new clients
Life is full of decisions, every day is a choice. That is a mantra I have believed and lived by for many years. Sometimes the choice requires having the courage to begin again...start over...wipe the slate clean. I have made that decision myself which involved working against fear, insecurities, and many other obstacles. Life does not always give us the opportunity to make lemonade. Sometimes we have to throw away the lemons life dishes us and decide to make something new. I specialize in helping people from a variety of backgrounds with making those decisions and learning how to live with new perspectives, thoughts, and behaviors.
Life is full of decisions, every day is a choice. That is a mantra I have believed and lived by for many years. Sometimes the choice requires having the courage to begin again...start over...wipe the slate clean. I have made that decision myself which involved working against fear, insecurities, and many other obstacles. Life does not always give us the opportunity to make lemonade. Sometimes we have to throw away the lemons life dishes us and decide to make something new. I specialize in helping people from a variety of backgrounds with making those decisions and learning how to live with new perspectives, thoughts, and behaviors.
(859) 203-1802 View (859) 203-1802
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.