Evolving Minds Counselling
and Psychology
Schema Therapy
in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire
At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology, our psychologists and counsellors provide Schema Therapy for adults across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice in the Sutherland Shire and online across Australia.
Schema Therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps people understand and shift long-standing patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving that no longer serve them. Developed by psychologist Dr Jeffrey Young, it combines elements of cognitive, behavioural and experiential therapy to address patterns that often develop early in life.
Schemas are mental frameworks we develop from early experiences to make sense of ourselves, others and the world. Many are adaptive, although some can become rigid or unhelpful, particularly when they form in response to unmet emotional needs, trauma or chronic stress. These patterns can influence how we see ourselves, how we relate to others and how we respond to challenges throughout life.
Schema Therapy also looks at schema modes, which describe the different emotional states and coping responses that can become active in particular situations.
What is Schema Therapy?
Schema Therapy helps you recognise patterns that keep repeating and understand where they may have come from. You might notice yourself repeatedly avoiding difficult situations, putting other people's needs ahead of your own, withdrawing emotionally or setting extremely high standards for yourself.
Therapy can help you recognise when these patterns are being triggered and develop different ways of responding. Sessions may involve exploring earlier experiences, identifying schemas and schema modes, using imagery and developing healthier ways of coping and relating to yourself and others.
What does Schema Therapy help with?
Schema Therapy can be helpful for adults experiencing:
-
recurring patterns in relationships, including difficulty forming or maintaining closeness
-
chronic depression and anxiety
-
persistent self-criticism and low self-worth
-
patterns of avoidance, people-pleasing or emotional withdrawal
Schema Therapy is often helpful for people who have found that shorter-term approaches have not fully resolved long-standing patterns. It may be used on its own or integrated with other approaches such as Radically Open DBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR or eating disorder therapy approaches, depending on each person's needs.
How do I find a schema psychologist near me?
If you have been searching for a schema psychologist, schema therapist or Schema Therapy near you, our psychologists and counsellors provide Schema Therapy for adults across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire.
Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice in the Sutherland Shire and online across Australia.
If you’re unsure where to begin, our Client Care Team can assist. Call 02 8519 4197 or use the button below to request an appointment.