What is Schema Therapy?
Schema therapy is a therapeutic approach that combines elements of cognitive-behaviour therapy, attachment theory, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and experiential therapies. This multi-model, expert approach seeks to address long-standing and deeply rooted patterns of thinking and feeling known as “schemas” and how we have learned to cope with these schemas, known as “maladaptive, unhelpful coping modes”.
The aim of schema therapy is to support clients to identify and change maladaptive schemas or core beliefs that often develop in early childhood and persist throughout one’s life and to learn healthier, more effective ways of coping with these schemas when they are triggered.
Schema Therapy
Key components of Schema Therapy
Schema understanding
Therapists work with clients to identify and understand their maladaptive schemas; the deeply entrenched, negative core beliefs about oneself and others that contribute to emotional distress and dysfunctional patterns.
Emotional coping strategies
Clients explore and recognise the coping modes they developed to deal with their maladaptive schemas. These strategies might have been adaptive in childhood but are often harmful in adulthood. Typically, unhelpful coping modes are what bring a client to therapy in the first place.
Limited reparenting
Therapists provide a corrective, emotional experience by addressing unmet needs from the past. This involves nurturing and supporting the individual in a way that may have been lacking during their early years and meeting in adulthood the unmet, core emotional and psychological needs from childhood.
Mode Work
Schema therapy involves identifying and challenging specific behaviours associated with maladaptive schemas. This may include exploring and modifying self-defeating patterns, such as endless striving, avoiding relationships or avoidance, such as excessive alcohol consumption.
Experiential Techniques
Therapists employ various experimental techniques, such as imagery, chair work, and role-playing, to help individuals re-experience and reprocess emotional memories associated with their schemas.
Schema therapy is often considered a longer-term therapeutic approach, suitable for individuals with chronic and complex mental health experiences. It aims not only to alleviate symptoms but also to promote lasting changes in how individuals perceive themselves and relate to others. By addressing the root causes of emotional distress, schema therapy helps individuals break free from entrenched patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and interacting with the world.
Other Therapy Models
Our Services
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers a confidential space for personal exploration and growth, where our therapists focus on skill-building, coping strategies, and a goal-oriented approach whilst supporting you to develop a deep understanding of yourself. Drawing from evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy, we work collaboratively with you to address your concerns. Together, we develop practical strategies to enhance your well-being and achieve your goals.
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Couples Therapy
Couples therapy provides a supportive environment for couples to address challenges and enhance their relationship. Drawing from models such as Schema Therapy, our therapists help couples identify and transform ingrained patterns that may be impacting their relationship dynamics. Through effective communication and collaboration, we strive to foster healthier connections and mutual understanding between partners.
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Assessment Services
Our specialised assessment services provide a foundation for understanding and addressing individual and relational challenges. Tailored to meet the distinct needs of each client, these evaluations offer insights into personal and interpersonal dynamics, facilitating targeted therapeutic interventions.
Find Out More Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers a confidential space for personal exploration and growth, where our therapists focus on skill-building, coping strategies, and a goal-oriented approach whilst supporting you to develop a deep understanding of yourself. Drawing from evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy, we work collaboratively with you to address your concerns. Together, we develop practical strategies to enhance your well-being and achieve your goals.
Find Out More Couples Therapy
Couples therapy provides a supportive environment for couples to address challenges and enhance their relationship. Drawing from models such as Schema Therapy, our therapists help couples identify and transform ingrained patterns that may be impacting their relationship dynamics. Through effective communication and collaboration, we strive to foster healthier connections and mutual understanding between partners.
Find Out More Assessment Services
Our specialised assessment services provide a foundation for understanding and addressing individual and relational challenges. Tailored to meet the distinct needs of each client, these evaluations offer insights into personal and interpersonal dynamics, facilitating targeted therapeutic interventions.
Find Out More Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers a confidential space for personal exploration and growth, where our therapists focus on skill-building, coping strategies, and a goal-oriented approach whilst supporting you to develop a deep understanding of yourself. Drawing from evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Schema Therapy, we work collaboratively with you to address your concerns. Together, we develop practical strategies to enhance your well-being and achieve your goals.
Find Out More Couples Therapy
Couples therapy provides a supportive environment for couples to address challenges and enhance their relationship. Drawing from models such as Schema Therapy, our therapists help couples identify and transform ingrained patterns that may be impacting their relationship dynamics. Through effective communication and collaboration, we strive to foster healthier connections and mutual understanding between partners.
Find Out More Assessment Services
Our specialised assessment services provide a foundation for understanding and addressing individual and relational challenges. Tailored to meet the distinct needs of each client, these evaluations offer insights into personal and interpersonal dynamics, facilitating targeted therapeutic interventions.
Find Out More 
Get in touch
Embark on the path to addressing concerns and finding the support you need. Reach out to us today to start your journey with London Bridge Therapy. Dr. Mahan-Taylor and our team are here to offer understanding and care, ensuring you feel supported throughout your therapeutic experience.
Your well-being is our priority at London Bridge Therapy.