Schema therapy (ST)

Schema therapy (ST) is a form of psychotherapy for people who notice that they keep encountering the same patterns in their lives. These patterns are characterized by unpleasant feelings, persistent beliefs and the tendency to react in the same ways over and over again. Examples are: feeling sad because of the belief that you are not worth anything and then withdrawing, getting angry because you don't feel taken seriously and then coming into conflict with others, being afraid that it is not good enough and then working even harder or being afraid that people will leave you and then cling.

In schema therapy you learn to recognize these patterns (schemas) and the different states of mind (modes) that are evoked by them. Attention is paid to the origin of these patterns and how they are maintained. The goal of the therapy is that you learn to think differently about yourself, learn to feel your emotions without them getting too high and learn what your own needs are and how to deal with them in a healthy way. This allows you to give better direction to your life and improve your relationships with others. Schema therapy is characterized by a variety of exercises that are done in the sessions, such as multi-chair exercises, role plays and imaginations.

If you still suffer from severely destructive behavior or if you have little daily structure, it is recommended to work on this first before starting schema therapy.

Would you like to know more about this form of therapy? Then watch the videos on https://www.schematherapie.nl/schematherapie.

Duration, frequency and form

Short-term schema therapy group 
The short-term schema group is intended for people who have often already had several therapies and need practical tools to deal with their patterns differently. This group therapy consists of weekly group sessions of two hours. In addition, you will spend about 1 hour a week on homework assignments and filling in questionnaires. The treatment lasts 6 months.

Group schema therapy for clusterC
The group schema therapy for Cluster C (GST-C) is intended for people with avoidant and compulsive problems and consists of 30 weekly group sessions of 1 hour and 45 min. In addition to the group, there is the possibility to spend a maximum of 300 minutes on individual contact with one of the group therapists. The treatment lasts 1 year.

Schema therapy group (semi-open) 
The schema group is intended for people who function well in a number of areas of life, but in some situations keep getting stuck. The patterns mainly emerge in contact with other people. This group therapy consists of weekly group sessions of two hours. The group consists of two parts. In the first part of schema therapy, we work on breaking patterns through exercises in the group. In the second part, the emphasis is on interaction with others both inside and outside the group. The treatment lasts 1.5 years.

Intensive schema therapy group
The intensive schema group is intended for people with Borderline personality problems. This group therapy consists of a combination of weekly group sessions of 1.5 hours and 1 individual conversation per week.  The treatment lasts 2 years, with the number of contact moments gradually being reduced in the last year.

Individual schema therapy 
Individual schema therapy is intended for people who function well in a number of areas of life, but still get stuck at some times. Individual schema therapy consists of 50 sessions of 45 minutes. If possible, the treatment is started with two appointments per week, and reduced in frequency during the treatment. The treatment lasts a maximum of 1.5 years.

Individual intensive schema therapy
Intensive individual schema therapy is intended for people with persistent patterns in multiple areas of life, where previous therapy has proven insufficiently effective. In an indicative interview, it is examined whether it is expected that change is possible.

The intensive individual schema therapy lasts a maximum of two years. In the first year, there are two appointments of 45 minutes per week. In the second year, this frequency is gradually reduced so that you can build confidence to be able to handle it independently in the future.

NPI Online (also in English)
NPI online offers individual schema therapy (25 to 50 sessions) in English and Dutch, to people who live in the Netherlands and are skilled with working online. The treatment  starts with an extensive intake to get a good idea of your symptoms and to discuss together whether online therapy is a good option for you. For example, with online treatment, you must be able to work relatively independently, be able to tolerate your emotions reasonably well and be able to call in help in time if necessary.  For more information , see NPI online.

Factsheets
ST Short-term schema group
ST Individual
ST Individual Intensive
ST Semi-open schema group therapy
ST Intensive Group Therapy
ST Healthy Adult Group
ST Schema Drama Group
ST Schema Therapy (GST-C)
ST NPI Online

What you can read about schema therapy

• Genderen, van, H., Jacob, G., & Seebauer, L. (2012). Breaking patterns, recognizing and changing negative feelings and habits. Amsterdam: Nieuwezijds Publishers.
• Young, J.E. & Klosko, J.S., Weishaar, M.E. (1999). Living in your life. Wooden: Bohn Stafleu van Loghum.

Proven effective
The effectiveness of schema therapy has been proven by  the following scientific studies:

• Nordahl, H.M., Holthe, H., & Haugum, J.A. (2005). Early maladaptive schemas in patients with or without personality disorders: does schema modification predict symptomatic relief? Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 12, 142-149. Link to the article.
• Wang, C.E., Halvorsen, M., Eisemann, M., & Waterloo, K. (2010). Stability of dysfunctional attitudes and early maladaptive schemas: A 9-year follow-up study of clinically depressed subjects. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 41, 389-396. Link to the article.