Designed to improve mental wellbeing by tweaking how we interpret the world – Schema Cognitive Therapy has countlessly proven its value in clinical psychology.
But what is Schema Cognitive Therapy? How can it be applied to improve my mental health?
A Schema describes an extremely stable, enduring idea or interpretation which shapes the way we think about ourselves, another person, or our environment. For example, regular childhood trips to the zoo may have caused you to create a strong mental image of what an elephant is like – big, grey, funny, and friendly. Because of these, every time an elephant is mentioned to you, you picture of elephants in this way. You have a very strong mental concept of what an elephant is like – which you accept without question.
Image Source: verywellmind.com / Verywell / Emily Roberts
Negative schemas work in the same way, a strong negative interpretation of a situation or belief might grow into a foundational aspect of your interpretation of the world. Therefore, this belief becomes very resistant to change and is hardly challenged. We are not always aware of our schemas, causing us to needlessly cling onto these negative ideas.
Schema cognitive therapy challenges these negative schemas to build up a healthier cognitive environment. For example, you were bullied as a child, causing you to develop an Approval-Seeking Schema. This constant need for the approval of others in fear of social isolation causes you a degree of Social Anxiety. Because the underlying cause of these Anxieties is the Schema you have created surrounding social acceptability, we will work to challenge this schema to relieve the Anxieties which stem from it.
Schema Cognitive Therapy has proven to be a very effective cognitive treatment for a variety of mental health challenges. Your Maroochydore Psychologist will work closely with you to guide you through changing your schemas to live a life free of anxieties, fear, depression, or negative self-interpretation caused by your schema.
Do you think schema cognitive therapy may be of benefit to you? Looking for a compassionate counsellor in Maroochydore? If you’re looking for professional counselling services in the Maroochydore area, contact us on 0467 200 200 or email us at info@psychologycove.com for more information.