'We repeat what we don't repair'

As a counsellor, I have trained with and use an integrative psychotherapy approach called Schema Therapy. You could think of it as a way of understanding some of the long-standing patterns in your life that might be causing you difficulties.

We all have these things called 'schemas'. They're like blueprints in our minds, formed in early childhood, about ourselves, other people, and the world. They develop in response to whether our core needs were met as children like feeling safe, secure, loved, and having our needs understood. If these needs weren't met consistently, some unhelpful schemas may have developed.

For example, if a child's need for safety wasn't met, they might develop a schema that the world is a dangerous place. These schemas, while they might have helped us to cope in childhood, can sometimes cause problems in our adult lives, leading to negative patterns in relationships, work, and how we feel about ourselves.

In Schema Therapy, we work together to:

• Identify these unhelpful schemas.
• Understand how they affect your current life.
• Help you to find healthier ways to meet your needs.

Schema Therapy uses a range of techniques to help you change these patterns, including talking, experiential exercises, and learning new coping skills. The goal is to help you develop a stronger sense of self, heal from past experiences, and build a more fulfilling life.

If you'd like to delve deeper into Schema Therapy, you can find more detailed information here:

• Schema Therapy - Psychology Today
• What is Schema Therapy? - Exhale Psychology Centre