Photo of Kari Stearns-Lamb, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 60649, IL
Kari Stearns-Lamb
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60649
Hello, my name is Kari Stearns-Lamb. I am a licensed clinical social worker in both Illinois and Iowa. My priority is you, and what you need to feel successful in your life. I believe in the holistic approach. This allows you to heal by taking all of your life experiences into consideration during the treatment process. I enjoy working with adults ages 18 and up. I have a mix of experiences that allows me to adjust my therapy approaches as needed. I strongly believe in nonjudgmental therapy and a trusting relationship. It is a true privilege to work with each of my clients, and I honor the relationships and the trust placed in me.
Hello, my name is Kari Stearns-Lamb. I am a licensed clinical social worker in both Illinois and Iowa. My priority is you, and what you need to feel successful in your life. I believe in the holistic approach. This allows you to heal by taking all of your life experiences into consideration during the treatment process. I enjoy working with adults ages 18 and up. I have a mix of experiences that allows me to adjust my therapy approaches as needed. I strongly believe in nonjudgmental therapy and a trusting relationship. It is a true privilege to work with each of my clients, and I honor the relationships and the trust placed in me.
(773) 830-2845 View (773) 830-2845

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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.