A schema therapist aims to help clients recognize and replace their schemas, or maladaptive patterns of thinking or behavior, typically formed in childhood, that are disrupting their well-being or stopping them from maintaining intimate relationships. Schema therapy is often most beneficial in helping someone overcome childhood neglect or abuse or make sense of a caregiver’s lack of boundaries—factors that are particularly prevalent among individuals with personality disorders, the population that schema therapy was initially designed to treat.
Who is a qualified schema therapist?
Mental health professionals who are licensed to practice therapy may use schema therapy as their primary modality. Most who do so have sought specific training in schema therapy techniques, and many have also pursued certification from schema therapy organizations, such as the International Society of Schema Therapy. However, such certifications are not necessary to call oneself a schema therapist.
Does schema therapy work?
Schema therapy was originally developed to treat personality disorders and existing evidence suggests that it can effectively do so, particularly in the case of borderline personality disorder. The therapy may also help treat other mental health concerns like anxiety or depression, though experts caution that research on its efficacy for these conditions is not extensive.
How can I recognize a good schema therapist?
Interested clients should ask prospective clinicians what training they’ve received in schema therapy, whether they have been certified by the International Society of Schema Therapy or other similar organizations, and whether they have experience treating the client’s particular concerns. Because the effectiveness of schema therapy is closely tied to the strength of the client-therapist relationship, it’s especially critical that clients seek out clinicians with whom they feel comfortable.
