Two hands pulling on opposite ends of a rope, symbolising emotional tension and power struggles in relationships.

The Entitlement Schema: “I Can Have Whatever I Want” – Navigating Boundaries and Empathy in Relationships

Do you feel worn down in your relationship, like you are always trying to keep the peace, unsure when (or how) to say no? Do you find yourself questioning whether you are being “too much,” “not enough,” or constantly sacrificing your own needs for others? These patterns can be exhausting, and one schema I often

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Woman holding a bouquet of flowers, partially covering her face, symbolizing self-care and healing from abandonment fears.

Practical Tips to Challenge the Abandonment Schema in Daily Life

Many people, experience a fear of being left behind – whether emotionally, physically, or both. But for some, this fear feels all-consuming. You might notice yourself anxiously scanning for signs someone is pulling away. Or you might feel a deep, sinking panic when someone important takes space or seems less responsive. This pattern, often rooted

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A heart-shaped cookie broken into pieces, symbolizing the impact of betrayal and the challenge of rebuilding trust.

Understanding the Mistrust/Abuse Schema

The ability to trust shapes how we connect, love, and feel safe in the world. But for some, trust doesn’t come easily. Instead, there’s a deep fear that others will let them down, take advantage, or cause harm. Even when kindness is shown, doubts creep in: What’s their real motive? When will they hurt me?

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Two hands stretching towards each other but not touching, symbolizing emotional distance and the fear of abandonment.

The Abandonment Schema: Why Fear of Loss Shapes Relationships

The fear of abandonment can deeply affect how we interact with others and shape our relationships. For many, it often develops early in life and is shaped by experiences of inconsistency, emotional distance, or unexpected loss. These experiences leave a lasting imprint on how we perceive security and connection. As we grow, these early wounds

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A woman’s hands forming a heart shape, symbolizing emotional connection and well-being.

Understanding Core Emotional Needs and Schema Therapy

We all know how important it is to take care of our physical needs – things like food, water, and shelter are essential for survival. But just as we need physical nourishment, we also require emotional nourishment to truly thrive. From the moment we are born, we begin seeking emotional support – first from our

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Woman holding her face in her hands, expressing anxiety and overwhelm.

Living Beyond Constant Worry and Catastrophizing: Understanding the Vulnerability to Harm Schema

Do you often find yourself fearing the worst, even in everyday situations? Are you constantly on edge, anticipating something bad is going to happen? This persistent worry could be linked to the Vulnerability to Harm Schema, a common pattern that leaves individuals feeling chronically unsafe. Here, we’ll explore what the Vulnerability to Harm Schema is,

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A neutral-toned sofa chair in a minimalist room, symbolizing a therapy space.

Schema Therapy vs Traditional CBT: What Sets Them Apart?

As a Clinical Psychologist, one of the questions I often get from clients is how Schema Therapy differs from traditional Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). While both approaches aim to help individuals overcome challenges and lead more fulfilling lives, their methods and focus vary significantly. Let’s delve into these two therapeutic modalities to uncover the differences

Understanding Maladaptive Schemas: How Core Beliefs Shape Our Emotional and Behavioral Patterns

What Are Schemas and How Do They Form?

Maladaptive schemas are deeply ingrained, negative patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that often develop during childhood and affect adult behaviour. These schemas influence how we view ourselves, others, and the world around us. Understanding maladaptive schemas is a cornerstone of Schema Therapy, a valuable therapeutic approach that helps unpack and address long-standing emotional struggles.

Nurturing Your Inner Child: Affirmations for Healing and Growth

The concept of the “inner child” may seem abstract, yet it serves as a powerful framework for understanding the emotional experiences that shape our adult lives. This inner child embodies the emotions, beliefs, and memories we formed in our early years – both joyous and painful. Rather than fading away, these childhood experiences significantly influence

A Guide to the 18 Maladaptive Schemas in Schema Therapy

Understanding the 18 Maladaptive Schemas in Therapy Maladaptive schemas are deeply ingrained cognitive and emotional patterns developed during childhood or adolescence. They represent unhelpful ways of perceiving ourselves, others, and the world around us. These schemas can significantly impact mental health and relationships. In schema therapy, these patterns are explored to better understand why individuals