Schema therapy and mindfulness –
my working method
« When mindfulness touches something beautiful, it reveals its beauty. When she touches something painful, she transforms it and heals it. »
Thich Nhat Hanh
My treatment incorporates techniques from the fields of mindfulness, self-compassion and schema therapy.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness means perceiving the present moment in all its fullness without going into judgement. Mindfulness practice enables observation of thoughts and feelings without getting lost in them. Mindfulness also opens the space for self-compassion.
Self-compassion
Self-compassion is the loving treatment of oneself, making friends with the most important person in our lives: ourselves. For example, instead of harsh self-criticism, it is possible to find a supportive and empathetic language for oneself. The regular practice of mindfulness and self-compassion leads to inner serenity, acceptance, calmness and clarity.
Schema therapy
Schema therapy is an extension of cognitive behavioural therapy and involves turning to our “inner child” and caring for and healing the hurt portions of our inner child. So-called “self-harming schemata” are abstract patterns of thinking, feeling and behaviour in which painful childhood experiences are stored with our earlier attempts at coping with them. These patterns emerge in childhood when important basic needs, such as secure attachment, autonomy or emotional expression, are not adequately met by our caregivers. Even today, these patterns are activated “automatically” in certain situations and determine our thinking, feeling and acting. In schema therapy, self-damaging schemas are recognised and the automatic processes are stopped. A new, mature way of dealing with past painful experiences and currently stressful feelings and situations is possible. This opens up new, healing spaces for behaviour and experience.