Integration of Schema Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Perosnality Disorders

Abstract

Through treatment of BPD is complicated, many CBT therapist can learnschema therapy (ST) principles and strategies to used them as an additionaltool. ST began as an extension of Beck's cognitive therapy model and has grownto become a unique integrative treatment for the personality disorders. Aschema is a extremely stable, constant negative pattern which develops duringchildhood and is elaborated during person's life. There are two main schemaoperations: healing of schema and schema maintenance.STdevotes considerable attention to modes, the predominant emotions, schemas, or coping reactions working for an individual at a particular time. The aim of the therapy is to engage in schema healing processes, which areintended to reduce the early maladaptive schemas and coping styles, and buildup the person's healthy side. The history of the schemas, modes and copingstrategies are systematically discussed, their origin are explored, they are linked to current problems, and theopportunity of modifying is explored. In treatment phase, the therapistflexibly uses cognitive, emotional/experiential, behavioral, andrelational/interpersonal strategies to change schemas and change maladaptivecoping styles with healthier forms of behavior. Schema therapists use therelationship itself quite extensively, in two main ways. First, it is a area inwhich behaviors modes, and schemas can be observed, assessed, and modified. Second, the relationship is used as a 'corrective emotional experience”. Through what schema therapy terms 'limited reparenting,” the therapist acts inways that supply as an cure to early unmet needs.