Schema Therapy in Melbourne

Schema therapy is an integrative approach developed by Dr Jeffrey Young that combines elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy, attachment theory, gestalt therapy, and psychoanalysis. It was specifically designed for people with longstanding, deeply entrenched patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving — patterns that often originate in childhood and continue to cause difficulties in adult life.

At the heart of schema therapy is the concept of "schemas" — deeply held beliefs and feelings about ourselves and the world that develop in response to unmet childhood needs. Common schemas include beliefs like "I am fundamentally flawed," "I will be abandoned," "I don't deserve love," or "The world is dangerous."

These schemas are not just thoughts — they are felt in the body, activated by triggers, and expressed through characteristic coping behaviours. Schema therapy works to identify these patterns, understand their origins, and gradually change them at a deep level.

At Ādarśa, schema therapy is integrated with our somatic approach. We work not just with the cognitive content of schemas, but with how they are held in the body — the tension, the contraction, the physical sense of shame or fear that accompanies a schema activation.

We use a range of schema therapy techniques including imagery rescripting, chair work, and limited reparenting — all adapted to include somatic awareness. This integration deepens the work and supports more complete healing.

Schema therapy is particularly well-suited to people who have tried other forms of therapy without lasting results, or who find themselves repeating the same patterns in relationships despite wanting to change.

A key concept in schema therapy is "schema modes" — the different emotional states and coping responses that we shift between in response to triggers. These include child modes (like the Vulnerable Child or Angry Child), maladaptive coping modes (like the Detached Protector or Compliant Surrenderer), and the Healthy Adult mode.

Schema therapy works to strengthen the Healthy Adult — the part of us that can meet our own needs, set boundaries, and respond to life's challenges with flexibility and wisdom. This often involves doing reparative work with younger, wounded parts of ourselves — offering them the understanding, validation, and care they needed but didn't receive.

Schema therapy is typically a longer-term approach, as it works with deep-seated patterns that have often been present for many years. Sessions involve a combination of psychoeducation (understanding your schemas and modes), experiential work (imagery, chair work, somatic exploration), and cognitive work (challenging schema-driven thoughts and beliefs).

Many people find schema therapy to be a profoundly validating experience — finally understanding why they feel and behave the way they do, and having a roadmap for change.

Schema therapy sessions are $280 per session. Medicare rebates are available with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP, providing up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year.