The purpose of this course is to provide a practical knowledge of the Schema Focused Therapy Model. Students will become acquainted with the nature of each of the Lifetraps or early maladaptive schemas, their domains, the pathogenic early learning in their origin, and the ways they play out in self-defeating behaviors of the adult.  An overview of the model, components of assessment, case conceptualization, and the phases of treatment will be presented. At the conclusion of this course, students will have an understanding of the model and the steps for incorporating this integrative tool for the treatment of a wide range of clients who have histories of psychological trauma and meet criteria for personality, other mental health and substance use disorders.  

 

1. Identify, define, and understand the concept of Lifetraps, and the theory and research informing Schema Focused Therapy.

2. Recognize how the Lifetraps play out in patterns of adult life impacting the individual as well as family and other interpersonal relationships.

3. Apply knowledge of the Schema Domains (categories of schemas) based on the five areas of basic needs defined by the domains.

4. Develop a schema focused assessment and case conceptualization incorporating social work perspective, values and ethics.

5. Describe and apply specific Schema Focused Therapy techniques that address diverse populations and the client’s cognitive, affective, relational, and behavioral characteristics.

6. Identify and address transference and counter-transference from a schema perspective.

 

Schema Focused Therapy was developed by Jeffrey E. Young, PhD.  It has been extensively researched to effectively treat a wide variety of typically treatment resistant conditions, including Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Visit the research page of the International Society of Schema Therapy at http://www.schematherapysociety.org/Research-Blog. 

 

Target Audience: social workers, mental health practitioners, creative arts therapists, marriage and facility therapists, psychologists, and other interested individuals