BLOG POST

Treated by Franco Greco – Accredited Schema Therapist, Your Psychologist Elsternwick "Schema Therapy case study of a male executive with chronic anger, treated by Franco Greco, Accredited Schema Therapist at Your Psychologist Elsternwick. Explore core schemas, modes, and therapy outcomes." Client Profile Name: David R. (pseudonym) Age: 40 Gender: Male Occupation: Senior Executive in a Technology Firm Presenting Problem: Chronic anger, emotional reactivity, workplace conflict, strained intimate relationships Therapist: Franco Greco, Accredited Schema Therapist, Your Psychologist – Elsternwick, Victoria Presenting Issues David is a high-performing executive who approached therapy after receiving feedback about his angry outbursts and intimidating communication style. Though highly competent and respected in his industry, he frequently finds himself overwhelmed by frustration, especially when colleagues underperform or when he perceives a lack of respect. He describes “boiling beneath the surface,” with emotional explosions followed by guilt and confusion. Despite his success, David reports a deep sense of dissatisfaction and emotional disconnection, particularly in his marriage and social life. Therapeutic Approach: Schema Therapy with Franco Greco Franco Greco , an Accredited Schema Therapist at Your Psychologist Elsternwick , uses a compassionate yet structured approach that combines cognitive, experiential, and behavioral techniques. His therapy style integrates: Mode-based schema work to address emotional patterns Imagery rescripting to heal early trauma and unmet emotional needs Chair dialogues to transform critical and reactive inner voices Pattern-breaking strategies to support lasting behavioral change Franco works collaboratively with clients to understand not just how they behave, but why they respond the way they do — especially under stress or emotional threat. Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) Identified in David Through assessment and mode work with Franco Greco, several core schemas were identified as driving David’s emotional dysregulation: Unrelenting Standards / Hypercriticalness Schema Belief: “I must always perform at the highest level, or I’m not good enough.” Outcome: Perfectionism, irritability, and harsh self-talk Mistrust / Abuse Schema Belief: “People will hurt or take advantage of me if I let my guard down.” Outcome: Suspicion, defensiveness, and hostile reactions under pressure Emotional Deprivation Schema Belief: “No one will truly meet my emotional needs.” Outcome: Suppressed vulnerability, emotional shutdown, and anger used as protection Defectiveness / Shame Schema Belief: “There is something deeply wrong with me.” Outcome: Inner shame masked by achievement and emotional distancing Schema Modes Identified  Franco helped David map and understand the schema modes driving his reactivity: Angry Protector Mode Function: Shields David from feeling vulnerable or exposed Behavior: Explosive anger, verbal aggression, controlling tendencies Detached Protector Mode Function: Avoids emotional pain Behavior: Emotional numbing, overworking, withdrawing from intimacy Demanding Parent Mode Function: Internalized perfectionism and criticism Behavior: Harsh inner voice pushing him to “do better” and never be satisfied Vulnerable Child Mode Function: Holds unmet emotional needs and fears Behavior: Deep feelings of inadequacy, sadness, and rejection — often hidden Healthy Adult Mode (Underdeveloped) Function: Emotion regulation, balanced thinking, and compassion Goal: Strengthen this mode to bring balance and reduce schema-driven behavior Therapeutic Goals with Franco Greco Strengthen David’s Healthy Adult Mode to manage emotions and support self-validation Reduce Angry Protector responses by identifying and processing underlying schema triggers Increase emotional awareness and tolerance Heal early emotional wounds through imagery rescripting and mode work Break behavioral patterns that fuel anger, isolation, and emotional avoidance Key Schema Therapy Techniques Used by Franco Greco Imagery Rescripting – Revisiting childhood experiences of emotional neglect and introducing the Healthy Adult to meet unmet needs. Chair Work – Dialogues between David’s Angry Protector, Demanding Parent, and Vulnerable Child to externalize and shift rigid patterns. Mode Tracking & Journaling – Identifying real-life triggers and automatic responses, with ongoing reflection to reinforce insight. Pattern Breaking Assignments – Practicing assertive communication and emotional vulnerability in both personal and professional contexts. Outcome After Six Months of Schema Therapy Under Franco Greco’s guidance, David reported: Significant reduction in anger outbursts Improved relationships with team members and his partner Increased emotional self-awareness Ability to pause and reflect before reacting Emerging compassion for himself and greater tolerance for imperfection Though still challenged by perfectionism and vulnerability, David has developed a more grounded sense of self and a healthier, more flexible inner voice. About Franco Greco – Accredited Schema Therapist Franco Greco is a highly experienced Schema Therapist based at Your Psychologist in Elsternwick , Victoria. He specialises in working with professionals, executives, and individuals facing long-standing emotional patterns like anger, shame, anxiety, and self-criticism. His practice focuses on helping clients heal core schemas and build emotional resilience using evidence-based techniques rooted in Schema Therapy, CBT, and mindfulness. To learn more or book a session with Franco, visit Your Psychologist Elsternwick

Are you tired of repeating the same painful patterns in your relationships? Schema therapy can help.

When experiencing anxiety, the sympathetic nervous system, part of the autonomic nervous system, is activated, initiating the "fight-or-flight" response, which prepares the body for action. Sympathetic Nervous System Activity Connects To Your Anxiety The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is one of two branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) , which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. The SNS is specifically responsible for the body's "fight-or-flight" response , which is an evolutionary adaptation that prepares the body to deal with perceived threats or danger. Managing Overactive Sympathetic Nervous System Activity Managing an overactive sympathetic nervous system through activating the parasympathetic system through: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system , which is the body's "rest and digest" system. This counters the fight-or-flight response, helping you calm down and return to a more balanced state. Mindfulness practices and exercise can also help regulate the body's stress response over time. Reach out if you need help

Schema Therapy is highly effective for professionals struggling with depression.

Based on the true story of Australian war correspondent Peter Greste's imprisonment in Egypt in 2013. Staring the Australian actor Richard Roxburgh who plays Peter Greste. I share my reflections on the film's central issue of injustice and how Peter moves constantly between despair and hope.

Franco Greco answers key questions clients ask about couple's therapy

Franco Greco answers key questions clients ask about couple's therapy

Franco Greco Founder and Principal Psychologist of Your Psychologist Elsternwick givng a tour of his consulting rooms

Helping Professionals with Social Anxiety Using Schema Therapy