Description of this training :

Schema Therapy, developed by Jeffrey Young, aims to understand and treat dysfunctional schemas that are formed in childhood. These schemas arise from the interaction between innate temperament, life experiences, and the frustration or fulfillment of basic emotional needs. Young identifies five core needs: attachment, autonomy, limits, emotional expression, and spontaneity. When one or more of these needs are repeatedly frustrated, 18 maladaptive schemas can develop, grouped into thematic domains such as abandonment or impaired autonomy.

These schemas influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—often unconsciously. They typically manifest through three coping styles: surrender (passive acceptance of the schema), avoidance (escaping difficult situations), or overcompensation (acting in opposition to the schema). Although these strategies may appear protective in the short term, they tend to maintain and reinforce the schema over time, making change more difficult.

A central concept in Schema Therapy is the work with modes. Unlike schemas, modes represent momentary emotional states or behavioral patterns. Particularly relevant are the child modes (vulnerable, angry, or impulsive child), and the healthy adult, who should be strengthened in order to regulate other modes. The therapy also aims to reactivate the happy child mode, which is associated with play, joy, and spontaneity.

Therapeutic work includes cognitive techniques (identifying and understanding schemas), emotional techniques (limited reparenting, controlled expression of anger), and behavioral interventions (practicing new, adaptive responses). Through these integrative methods, schemas can be weakened and dysfunctional patterns transformed over time, with a focus on empowering the healthy adult.

Schema Therapy offers a structured yet individualized approach to effectively address complex psychological issues such as personality disorders, trauma, and chronic life patterns.

Educational Objectives of this Training

• Understand the fundamental principles and key concepts of Schema Therapy.

• Develop confidence in using the techniques applied in Schema Therapy in order to use them effectively in clinical practice.

Training Materials

This course includes 8 video modules on the topic of suffering in the workplace. At the end of the training, a multiple-choice test with 20 questions is available.

Course Outline

1. Introduction to Schema Therapy
Definition and origins of Schema Therapy according to Jeffrey Young.

2. Foundations of Schema Therapy
The three fundamental components of schemas:

• Innate temperament

• Early life experiences

• Frustration or fulfillment of core emotional needs

3. The Five Core Needs According to Young

• Attachment and belonging

• Autonomy, identity, and competence

• Limits and self-control

• Emotional expression

• Spontaneity and play

4. The 18 Maladaptive Schemas and Their Domains
Overview of schema domains:

• Disconnection and rejection

• Impaired autonomy and performance

• Impaired limits

• Other-directedness

• Overvigilance and inhibition

5. Dysfunctional Coping Styles

• Surrender: passive acceptance of the schema

• Avoidance: escaping schema-related situations

• Overcompensation: acting in opposition to the schema

6. Modes and Their Role in Therapy

• Child modes: vulnerable, angry, impulsive, and happy child

• The healthy adult: conductor of all other modes

• Therapeutic strategies to strengthen the healthy adult

7. Techniques Used in Schema Therapy

• Cognitive techniques: raising awareness of schemas and modes

• Emotional techniques: limited reparenting, controlled expression of anger, imagery work

• Behavioral techniques: learning new, appropriate responses

8. Clinical Applications and Effectiveness of Schema Therapy

• Treatment of personality disorders, trauma, and persistent life patterns

• Evidence-based clinical effectiveness

9. Conclusion and Outlook

• Summary of the benefits of Schema Therapy

• Future directions and areas for further research

The Instructor: Benoît Demonty, Psychologist
Psychologist, psychotherapist, trainer, and supervisor. Lecturer at the University of Mons-Hainaut.

How Does It Work?
This training is available without time limits and is composed of video modules. You can complete it at your own pace. At the end of the course, a knowledge test with 20 multiple-choice questions is available. If you pass the test (with at least 70% correct answers), you will receive a certificate of completion that can be recognized as part of your professional development or added to your CV.
If you do not pass the test, you may retake it free of charge.

Who Is This Training For?
This course is intended for:

• Psychologists

• Psychiatrists

• Psychotherapists

• Psychoanalysts

• Physicians

• Sex therapists

• Psychiatric nurses

• And students in disciplines such as psychology, psychiatry, and related fields.