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"A combination of factors led me to Schema Therapy. Within the same week, I had seen three patients in desperate need. The first was a dyslexic adult in dire straits. The second was a 16 year old boy suffering from a breakdown. Finally, I assessed a little girl with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). All of the aforementioned had sought assistance from their respective GPs. The adult had undergone various treatments over the years – all to no avail. Having 'discovered' Schema Therapy, I was convinced that it could help all three patients. Finding a suitably trained Schema Therapist did not prove easy.
One of the Psychologists I spoke with, was claiming to lecture in Schema Therapy at a local Medical Faculty. When questioned further, he knew less than I did, and at that stage I hadn't even opened a book on the subject.
A (BACP) listed Psychotherapist offering Schema Therapy at a private hospital was similarly clueless, as was a local Counsellor (also from the BACP website). Worse still is that two of the aforementioned, recommended a DIY approach. The latter offered to sell me one of Dr Young's books – not knowing if Schema Therapy could be contra-indicated. To draw an analogy, this is similar to a mechanic who without seeing your car, recommends a particular fuel. The results could be disastrous!
By this time, I was convinced that Schema Therapy could help a lot of people. But I could not find a bona fide, trustworthy therapist to recommend to my patients. Fortunately, having a Master's in Psychology, I was able to fast-track my training.
Motivated by need, I set about getting qualified and reading about the two principal training providers: - Dr Young and Prof Arntz. Whilst Prof Arnzt credits Dr Young as the originator, there is no doubt that the Dutch have a superb track record in the field of Schema Therapy.
Prof Arntz is Head of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology and Psychotherapy at the University of Maastricht. His main role is research. In contrast, Dr Young works on the ‘front-line’ and has a flourishing private practice in New York. |
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By working with experienced Schema Therapists from America as well as Holland, my aim is to give my patients the best of both worlds.
A good Schema Therapist, according to Young and Arntz, has to be intuitive. I am very intuitive. In addition to my intuition, I have a lifetime of experiences and a natural empathy.
With these qualities and the tools of Schema Therapy, I am confident that I can support most patients to change maladaptive coping responses (e.g. alcohol misuse, eating disorders) and other self-defeating behaviours. In my practice, I have also incorporated some unique additions, borne out of my years working in Psychology, Education and Neuroscience. The base of my methodology is pure Schema Therapy, but I have made it my own! And patients are doing amazingly well with my unique version. The positive reactions of patients never cease to excite me – Schema Therapy really does work!
If you convince yourself you can do something, the chances are that you will. The reverse is true too and it is all too easy to get shrouded in negativity and stuck in depressive cycles.
Along the way, we'll deal with overcoming any feelings of insecurity or rejection. Without the burdens of bad schemas weighing us down, we are free to enjoy a more fulfilling life.
At present, provision of Schema Therapy in England is sparse. Like a lot of specialisms, it is not widely available on the NHS.
The therapy is increasingly offered within forensic settings however. My aim is to make Schema therapy an option for more people, in more places in England. |
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Schema Therapy can assist with issues of self-esteem, and the myriad problems which ensue from lack of confidence. If someone has fallen off track, it could well set them on a better life path.
However, each individual needs to come to that realisation themselves. Parents of adult children or friends or partners can only guide. It’s the person concerned who has to want to change. They may have coped so long using their own (unhealthy) strategies, that they think they are 'fine'. You can only suggest for their sake, that they should consider aiming for better than just 'fine'. Walking away from depression is possible, and Schema Therapy can give you the strength to do just that.
There are circumstances that mean Schema Therapy is not the best choice of treatment. If you write to me at my private e-mail address below, I'll let you know if I think Schema Therapy can help you. A colleague (an ex GP and now a Consultant Psychiatrist) can be called upon for his opinion in complex cases.
All communications will be treated in strictest confidence. I look forward to hearing from you".
tina@schematherapycentre.co.uk
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