Photo of Dr. Vanessa Rojas, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 75093, TX
Dr. Vanessa Rojas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, CSAT, EMDR
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
Not accepting new clients
Dr. Rojas specializes in 4 areas: sex addiction, trauma, relationships, and personality disorders. She has a PhD from Columbia University and did a postdoc at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Rojas is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and is trained in multiple trauma therapies (EMDR, CBT, IFS, Sensorimotor, psychodynamic, and integrative nutrition). Additionally, she is trained in Gottman Method couples therapy level 3 and Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. She is also trained in narcissistic abuse recovery, the treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and DBT for Borderline Personality Disorder.
Dr. Rojas specializes in 4 areas: sex addiction, trauma, relationships, and personality disorders. She has a PhD from Columbia University and did a postdoc at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Rojas is a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and is trained in multiple trauma therapies (EMDR, CBT, IFS, Sensorimotor, psychodynamic, and integrative nutrition). Additionally, she is trained in Gottman Method couples therapy level 3 and Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. She is also trained in narcissistic abuse recovery, the treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and DBT for Borderline Personality Disorder.
(214) 972-2520 View (214) 972-2520

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.