BASIC CONCEPTS IN SCHEMA THERAPY
The four basic concepts of the Schema Therapy model are:
- The Early Maladaptive Schemas
- The Basic Categories of Early Maladaptive Schemas (Schema Domains)
- The Maladaptive Coping Strategies of Response to the Schema (Cοping Styles)
- The Schema Modes
The Early Maladaptive Schemas
The early maladaptive schema consists the basic conceptual structure of Schema Therapy. It has a self-destructive character and is characterized by basic patterns we have preserved by repeating them in all of our life. The early maladaptive schemas consist the core of personality disorders. According to Young, the early maladaptive schema:
- Consists a wide and stable pattern
- Consists of memories, emotions, knowledge and physical senses
- Regards the persons themselves and their relationship with others
- Is developed during childhood or adolescence and evolves throughout a person’s life
- Is dysfunctional at a high degree
Schemas are created when the core emotional needs of the child that is developing are not met. It is the result of deficient experiences of childhood and, although they are clearly dysfunctional, there is a strong tendency to be preserved in adulthood. They are part of the identity of a person, they consist the way they experience themselves and, therefore, they are absolutely familiar. They make the person malfunction, but, at the same time, they consist a part of their reality, they are “what” they know, and this is why it is very difficult to change them. These schemas determine to a significant extent the way a person thinks, feels, behaves and relates to others.
You can read about the eighteen Early Maladaptive Schemas in the relative PDF file at the webpage of the Greek Society of Schema Therapy at the following link:
Early Maladaptive Schemas: schematherapy.gr/vassiki-theoria/
Modes are a key concept in Schema Therapy, representing the different facets of the individual’s personality that are activated in response to various situations or emotional states. Modes are defined as temporary states that encompass schemas, coping styles, and emotional states. They can be thought of as the different “parts” of an individual’s personality, which may dominate or be suppressed at various times.
Modes in Schema Therapy are classified into four categories, each representing different facets of an individual’s personality that can be activated in response to various situations or emotional states. These categories are:
Child Modes: These modes represent the emotional states and unmet needs experienced during childhood. They may include the vulnerable child, which is characterized by feelings of loneliness, sadness, or fear; the angry child, marked by frustration, resentment, or rage; and the impulsive or undisciplined child, which is driven by immediate gratification without considering consequences.
Dysfunctional Coping Modes: These modes are the maladaptive strategies developed to manage unmet needs from child modes. Examples of dysfunctional coping modes are the detached protector, which involves emotional withdrawal or disconnection to avoid pain; the compliant surrenderer, characterized by submission and passivity to meet others’ expectations; and the overcompensator, which involves striving for achievement, power, or recognition to compensate for underlying feelings of inadequacy.
Dysfunctional Parent Modes: These modes encompass the internalized critical or demanding voices of caregivers. Two common dysfunctional parent modes are the punitive parent, characterized by self-criticism, blame, and punishment; and the demanding parent, which involves setting excessively high expectations and constant pressure to achieve.
Healthy Adult Mode: This mode represents the optimal functioning state, characterized by adaptive coping strategies, self-care, and emotional regulation. The healthy adult mode helps individuals meet their needs in a balanced manner, establish and maintain healthy relationships, and respond effectively to life’s challenges.
In Schema Therapy, the goal is to strengthen the healthy adult mode and promote adaptive coping, while diminishing the influence of dysfunctional modes. Through this process, clients can gain a better understanding of themselves, their needs, and their emotional experiences, ultimately leading to lasting change and improved mental well-being.