Posted by canadagirl on April 15, 2007, at 14:24:33
In reply to Re: criticisms schema therapy » canadagirl, posted by gazo on April 15, 2007, at 0:42:35
Hi gazo, Schema can be short or long, depending on the situation. I think you will like it. I guess I fell into it, because I went to therapy for a relatively minor presenting problem and after the first session he had me figured out. I couldn't believe it. He could tell what my "schemas" or patterns, were (and I have lots) and hit the nail right on the head. We all have them to a greater or lesser degree. I had 5 "real" sessions, and some online.That wasn't enough, not nearly enough. But it's all I could get at the time. I'd love to find another schema therapist but they are hard to find.
After that was done, I went later to a gestalt therapist for something else (couldn't find a schema t and couldn't go back to that one due to insurance, etc. ) and that was a bit similar but it wasn't nearly as structured and I was bored half the time.
By empathetic confrontation, I mean that the therapist will help you change thought patterns by confronting you with the evidence for whatever schema or pattern it is that he sees, but will do it with compassion. And he'll give you some direction on how to change the patterns.
In this way, it's very good because it's directive and personal. I don't like to just talk about myself without getting some advice or practical assistance on how I can change.
An example for me was, he confronted my unrealistic self sabotaging perfectionist tendencies and I was able to find out where they originated and how to change. I was forcing them on myself and others at all times and at all costs to the detriment of almost everything in my life. The therapist does or should do, a lot of education about schemas to the client.
At first, it was was pretty painful. But it opened up an awareness and a new perspective for me.
This is a very good therapy, I would say, the best as it takes from every model and yet has that personal relationship going on with the therapist. Good luck with it, you are lucky to find a Schema therapist.
poster:canadagirl
thread:749791
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20070406/msgs/750045.html