Unlocking Emotional Healing: A Beginner’s Guide to Schema Therapy at Brandon Kayat Psychology
Schema Therapy
Each of us has an inner child that still carries the pain and fears of our childhoods. No matter how great our parents were, there remain some unmet needs of that inner child. In this blog, we will explore the transformative approach of Schema Therapy and how it can help you on your journey to emotional healing and well-being from these unmet needs. I have experience and training working from within the modality of Schema Therapy (among others) in psychology and have seen many patients progress through it. Now, let's delve into the details of Schema Therapy and how it can make a difference in your life.
Understanding Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy is an evidence-based approach to psychotherapy that helps individuals break free from deep-seated emotional patterns and lead more fulfilling lives. Developed by Dr. Jeffrey Young, this therapy combines elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, attachment theory, and gestalt therapy. It works on the present issues while allowing for understanding and overcoming of emotional patterns through schema therapy.
How Does Schema Therapy Work?
Schema Therapy involves identifying and challenging negative core beliefs and maladaptive schemas that may have developed in childhood. These schemas are ingrained emotional patterns that influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. At my practice under Brandon Kayat Psychology, I work closely with you to uncover and modify these schemas, allowing you to build healthier coping strategies as I have done with many of my other clients.
Understanding Schemas, Early Maladaptive Schemas, Schema Modes, and Coping Modes
In your journey to emotional healing through Schema Therapy at Brandon Kayat Psychology, it's important to grasp some key concepts. Let's break them down as simply as possible:
Schemas: Maps of the mind
Think of schemas as the building blocks of our beliefs and emotions or mental maps of how the world works. They are deeply ingrained patterns that develop in our early years, often shaped by our childhood experiences. These schemas are like filters through which we perceive the world around us. They influence how we think, feel, and act in various situations.
Early Maladaptive Schemas: Unhealthy maps
Early Maladaptive Schemas are specific types of schemas that can cause distress and hinder our personal growth. These are like old stories we carry with us from the past (usually our childhood) when we have endured undesirable or negative experiences. For example, if you grew up feeling like you were never good enough, that belief might become an early maladaptive schema that affects your self-esteem and relationships as an adult. In my experience with many of my clients, all of us are affected by these Early Maladaptive Schemas without even realizing it most of the time. Psychology sessions and schema therapy are invaluable tools in recognizing and addressing these. We identify these maladaptive schemas as they occur in present situations as well as their rooting in the past- effectively marrying psychoanalytic and cognitive behavioural therapies.
Schema Modes: Different Sides of You
Think of schema modes as different sides of your personality. We all have various modes that come to the forefront in different situations. For example, you might have a "vulnerable child" mode that emerges when you feel scared or hurt when facing a trigger from your childhood. Schema Therapy helps you identify and work with these modes, allowing you to manage them effectively. These modes are actually patterns used to group clusters of schemas that work together in certain ways. In understanding schema modes, my clients are able to understand their thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviours underlying these modes.
Coping Modes: Survival Strategies
Coping modes are like your survival strategies or compensatory strategies to navigate the world with these maladaptive schemas. When you face challenging situations or emotions, you might adopt coping modes to protect yourself. Some of these modes can be helpful, while others may be counterproductive. Schema Therapy helps you understand and modify these coping modes, so you can respond to life's challenges in healthier ways.
Overcoming Emotional Patterns
Many people struggle with recurring emotional patterns that hinder their personal and professional lives. Schema Therapy and psychology equips you with the tools to recognize and break these patterns, promoting emotional healing and self-empowerment. If you have found yourself helplessly repeating behaviours or patterns across specific areas of your life, Schema Therapy will likely be a valuable fit for you.
Your Partner in Emotional Healing
Brandon Kayat is one of several trusted sources for Schema Therapy and psychology in Durban, due to my experience and training in Schema Therapy. My commitment to helping you start your journey towards emotional healing through Schema Therapy is another factor that promotes therapy and growth. You, like many of my previous clients, can aim to overcome emotional challenges, improve your mental well-being, and lead a happier, more fulfilling life. Contact me to book today.
