What is Schema Therapy?
Developed by Dr. Jeffrey Young, schema therapy is an evidence-based psychological therapy that helps people to break free from lifelong patterns that cause them distress or keep them feeling stuck. At the heart of schema therapy are 'schemas'—long-standing patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that develop during childhood and adolescent years. Every single person on earth has schemas, they are our fundamental way of understanding and interacting with ourselves, others, and the world around us.
You can think of schema therapy as a way of understanding the core themes that have been influencing your feelings and behaviours throughout your life. You might find yourself constantly people pleasing, fearing abandonment, or feeling not good enough no matter what you do. In schema therapy, we explore the deeper roots of these patterns - often going back to childhood experiences where important emotional needs weren't fully met.
As we dive into these deep-rooted beliefs, you'll begin to make connections between past experiences and current struggles. This might feel like uncovering a map to why you react the way you do in relationships, work, or when faced with life challenges. And while these discoveries can be intense, it’s also incredibly empowering because - possibly for the first time - things might start to make sense.
What to Expect in a Schema Therapy Session
In a typical session, we’ll talk about the schemas or emotional patterns you feel most stuck in. Through guided exercises, including visualisations or role-playing, you’ll be encouraged to confront these schemas in a safe and supportive way. You’ll practice healthier ways to respond to difficult situations, learn self-compassion, and slowly begin to rewrite those old narratives.
At times, it might feel challenging, especially if you’re confronting emotions you’ve buried for years. But the goal is always to equip you with effective and practical tools to create lasting change. You won’t be doing this alone—you'll have support every step of the way.
Is Schema Therapy Right for You?
Schema therapy is particularly effective for people who feel like they're repeating the same painful patterns, whether it’s feeling stuck in your emotions, constant struggles with self-doubt, or unhealthy relationship dynamics. It’s all about breaking free from those old, unhelpful scripts and creating greater balance, confidence, and authenticity.
The schema process often takes time and patience, but many clients find schema therapy life-changing, as it addresses not just symptoms but the underlying causes of emotional difficulties. And when we tend to the original wound, rather than trying to put plasters over the top level symptoms, we have the opportunity to create positive change that lasts a lifetime.
Interested in Schema Therapy?
At Phoebe Beveridge Psychology, our primary focus is on guiding clients through this transformational process. If you feel trapped in old patterns, or you're ready to explore how your past impacts your present, schema therapy could be the path to long-lasting change.