Schema Therapy in Clinical Practice

Course Description

Schema Therapy in Clinical Practice is a 4-hour live training that introduces social workers to the theory, assessment methods, and introductory clinical techniques of schema therapy. Across five structured segments, participants examine the origins and development of early maladaptive schemas, the five schema domains and all 18 schemas, the three coping styles and 10 core schema modes, and schema-focused assessment using the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-R) and Schema Mode Inventory (SMI). Participants practice building schema-based case conceptualizations and apply introductory cognitive and behavioral schema techniques within a treatment-planning framework, with ethical obligations and scope-of-practice guidance woven throughout.

The course is delivered concurrently in two formats — live in-person and live online synchronous via Zoom. Each participant attends in one format; both formats receive the same live instruction, interaction, and credit.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the theoretical foundations of schema therapy and distinguish it from related evidence-based clinical models including CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic approaches.
2. Identify the five schema domains and accurately define all 18 early maladaptive schemas.
3. Distinguish between the three primary schema coping styles and explain how each perpetuates underlying maladaptive schemas over time.
4. Define schema modes and identify the 10 core modes as they are present in clinical material.
5. Describe the purpose, structure, and clinical application of the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-R) and Schema Mode Inventory (SMI).
6. Construct a preliminary schema-based case conceptualization using assessment data and clinical interview information.
7. Apply introductory cognitive and behavioral schema therapy techniques within a treatment planning framework.
8. Articulate the ethical obligations and scope-of-practice requirements for licensed and pre-licensed social workers using schema therapy.
9. Identify pathways for continued schema therapy training, supervision, and professional development.

Five Training Segments · 240 Instructional Minutes