Schema therapy for CBT therapists who treat borderline patients

Although treatment of BPD is complicated, CBT therapists can learn schema therapy (ST) principles and strategies used as an additional tool in the therapy. ST originally began as an extension of Beck’s cognitive therapy model and has developed into an unique integrative treatment for the personality disorders. According to the ST principles, schemas provide in-depth understanding of personality disorders. People perceive their own self, others and world in the lenses of their schemas. A schema is an extremely stable, constant pattern which developed during childhood or adolescence and now is elaborated in individual ́s life. ST also devotes considerable attention to modes, the predominant emotions, schemas, and coping reactions used by an individual at a particular time. The aim of the therapy is to engage in schema healing processes. These methods are intended to reduce the early maladaptive schemas and coping styles, and build up more adaptive and healthy approaches. A conceptualization is usually created early in the treatment. The history of the schemas, modes and coping strategies are systematically discussed, their origins explored and linked to current problems, and the opportunity of modifying is explored. In treatment phase, the therapist flexibly uses cognitive, emotional/experiential, behavioral, and relational/ interpersonal strategies to change schemas and maladaptive coping styles. The therapeutic relationship is also an important part of the healing process The relationship is an area in which behaviors modes and schemas can be noticed, assessed and modified. It is also used as mediator for a “corrective emotional experience”. The therapist behaves in ways that supply the unmet early needs of the patient. This connection to the childhood is mirrored in the label of this particular stance called “limited reparenting”. The change of the schemas is impossible without the well-established therapeutic relationship.