The literature on schema modes includes a lot of quantitative research in which schema modes are measured (and scales factor-analysed) among different populations and in different cultures and languages. Unfortunately, most of this research is of limited clinical value and a lot of it is misguided because it relies entirely on responses to brief self-report scales and fails to include many of the schema modes that clinicians recognize as important in practice.
Edwards (2022) published a review of schema modes in clinical practice and the implications for case conceptualization which identified over 80 different schema modes. He also identified how for understanding clients’ problems we need to understand several mode processes that include mode sequencing and mode blending, as well as structural aspects of modes such as the dyadic relationship between parent and child modes.
It is widely recognized that many clinical problems have their source in experiences of overwhelming emotion, particularly early in life where experiences of adversity, unmet needs and trauma expose individuals to emotional distress that they do not have the resources to handle except by investing in coping modes. These coping modes may ensure psychological survival at the time, but they create significant psychological problems going forward because the primary distress (which is located in Child modes) remains unresolved.
It is the aim of schema therapists to bring to light and understand these patterns, which we call Early Maladaptive Schemas, in order to bring about resolution and healing. This involves identifying coping modes and helping clients disidentify from them and get past them, so that the primary distress of the Vulnerable Child can be directly addressed. In the process, we also need to address and neutralize Parent modes which are introjects, internalized experiences of parents who failed to meet the child’s needs through actively harmful behaviour or neglect.
It is the aim of this Research Topic to explore and document the kinds of obstacles to the implementation of the schema therapy approach, which are posed by clients who are treatment resistant and to conceptualize these in terms of mode processes, based on observations of psychotherapy process within cases. Although there is not likely to be as great deal of formal process research on this topic out there, the literature does include a great deal of clinically relevant observations from case material that document and examine the application of schema modes in case conceptualization and how these contribute to positive therapeutic outcomes.
The literature on schema modes includes a lot of quantitative research in which schema modes are measured (and scales factor-analysed) among different populations and in different cultures and languages. Unfortunately, most of this research is of limited clinical value and a lot of it is misguided because it relies entirely on responses to brief self-report scales and fails to include many of the schema modes that clinicians recognize as important in practice.
Edwards (2022) published a review of schema modes in clinical practice and the implications for case conceptualization which identified over 80 different schema modes. He also identified how for understanding clients’ problems we need to understand several mode processes that include mode sequencing and mode blending, as well as structural aspects of modes such as the dyadic relationship between parent and child modes.
It is widely recognized that many clinical problems have their source in experiences of overwhelming emotion, particularly early in life where experiences of adversity, unmet needs and trauma expose individuals to emotional distress that they do not have the resources to handle except by investing in coping modes. These coping modes may ensure psychological survival at the time, but they create significant psychological problems going forward because the primary distress (which is located in Child modes) remains unresolved.
It is the aim of schema therapists to bring to light and understand these patterns, which we call Early Maladaptive Schemas, in order to bring about resolution and healing. This involves identifying coping modes and helping clients disidentify from them and get past them, so that the primary distress of the Vulnerable Child can be directly addressed. In the process, we also need to address and neutralize Parent modes which are introjects, internalized experiences of parents who failed to meet the child’s needs through actively harmful behaviour or neglect.
It is the aim of this Research Topic to explore and document the kinds of obstacles to the implementation of the schema therapy approach, which are posed by clients who are treatment resistant and to conceptualize these in terms of mode processes, based on observations of psychotherapy process within cases. Although there is not likely to be as great deal of formal process research on this topic out there, the literature does include a great deal of clinically relevant observations from case material that document and examine the application of schema modes in case conceptualization and how these contribute to positive therapeutic outcomes.
