Scribd
Upload
421 views

Schemas, Needs, and Modes Reference Sheet

The document discusses three key concepts in Schema Therapy: schemas, core emotional needs, and schema modes. Schemas are patterns that develop early in life and influence perception and behavior. Core emotional needs shape personality, and whether needs were met. Schema modes are currently active schemas. Psychoeducation helps clients understand their needs and emotions. Tables further explain the five schema domains and 18 schemas, how schemas relate to core needs, and schema mode categories.

Uploaded by

Renata Fernandes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
421 views

Schemas, Needs, and Modes Reference Sheet

The document discusses three key concepts in Schema Therapy: schemas, core emotional needs, and schema modes. Schemas are patterns that develop early in life and influence perception and behavior. Core emotional needs shape personality, and whether needs were met. Schema modes are currently active schemas. Psychoeducation helps clients understand their needs and emotions. Tables further explain the five schema domains and 18 schemas, how schemas relate to core needs, and schema mode categories.

Uploaded by

Renata Fernandes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

PositivePsychology.

com

Schemas, Needs, and Modes Reference Sheet

The following three concepts are central to the Schema Therapy model (Young, Klosko & Weishaar, 2007):

■ Schemas – Schemas are “self-defeating emotional cognitive patterns that begin early in our
development and repeat throughout life” (Young et al., 2007). They (positively or negatively)
influence our perception, thinking, and behavior in adulthood.
■ Needs – Our core emotional needs–and whether they are satisfied or not–shapes who we are in
later life.
■ Schema Modes – While some schemas may currently be inactive, those that are, we call our
schema mode.

Psychoeducation is a crucial aspect of Schema Therapy. It provides psychological awareness and teaches
the client that their needs and emotions are normal and understandable (Arntz & Jacob, 2013).

Use the following three tables to explore the key concepts of Schema Therapy with the client (modified
from Young et al., 2007; Arntz & Jacob, 2013):

Five Schema Domains and 18 Schemas

Schema Domain Early Maladaptive Schemas

Disconnection and rejection Abandonment/instability


Mistrust/abuse
Emotional deprivation
Defectiveness/shame
Social isolation/alienation

Impaired autonomy and achievement Dependency/incompetency


Vulnerability to harm and illness
Enmeshment/underdeveloped self
Failure

Impaired Limits Entitlement/grandiosity


Lack of self-control/self-discipline

Other-directedness Subjugation
Self-sacrifice
Approval-seeking

Hypervigilance and inhibition Negativity/pessimism


Emotional inhibition
Unrelenting standards
Punitiveness

Detailed breakdown of schema descriptions.


1
PositivePsychology.com

Relationship Between Schema Domains and Core Emotional Needs

Schema Domain Core Emotional Needs

Disconnection and rejection Safe attachment, acceptance, care

Impaired autonomy and achievement Autonomy, competence, sense of identity

Impaired Limits Realistic limits, self-control

Other-directedness Free expressions of needs and emotions

Hypervigilance and inhibition Spontaneity, playfulness

Schema Mode Categories

Mode Categories Modes

Dysfunctional child modes Dependent child modes:


Lonely
Abandoned/abused
Humiliated/inferior

Undisciplined child modes:


Angry
Obstinate
Enraged
Impulsive

Dysfunctional parent modes Punitive parent mode


Demanding parent mode

Dysfunctional coping modes Surrender


Avoidance
Overcompensation

Functional healthy modes Happy child mode


Healthy adult mode

Detailed list of mode descriptions.

2
PositivePsychology.com

References

■ Arntz, A., & Jacob, G. (2013). Schema therapy in practice: An introductory guide to the schema mode
approach. Chichester, West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons.
■ Young, J. E., Klosko, J. S., & Weishaar, M. E. (2007). Schema therapy: A practitioner’s guide. New
York: Guilford.

Dr. Jeremy Sutton

You might also like