How Long Does Schema Therapy Take?

You might have heard of schema therapy before, or recently been advised by your mental health professional that schema therapy would be a beneficial treatment method for you. But what is schema therapy, and how long does the process take before you start to see results?

Schema therapy explained

Schema therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioural therapy that was developed in the 1990s by Dr Jeffrey Young. It's based on the theory that early childhood experiences shape our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world around us. These core beliefs can become "schemas" that influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours in negative ways.

The idea behind schema therapy is to help people identify and change these negative schemas so they can live healthier, happier lives. The therapy process usually takes place over the course of 12-24 months and includes a combination of individual and group therapy sessions.

How does the process for schema therapy work?

During schema therapy, you'll work with your therapist to:

• Understand your schemas and how they impact your life
• Explore the origins of your schemas
• Learn new, more positive ways of thinking and behaving
• Practice using these new coping skills in real-world situations

How long does schema therapy take before you start to see results?

Unfortunately, there's no black-and-white answer to this question. Generally, it takes at least a year for patients to see significant results, but some people may start to see improvements after just a few months of treatment.

The length of time it takes to see results depends on many factors, such as the severity of your symptoms, how well you respond to treatment, and whether you have any other mental health conditions. Some people may even find that they need to continue with therapy after they have finished their schema therapy program.

Regardless of the timespan, the point is that if you're committed to making progress in your schema therapy, you'll likely see some positive changes over time. Your therapist will work closely alongside you to develop a tailored treatment plan that caters for your specific needs and condition.

Book a consultation at Your Psychologist in Elsternwick today

Overall, schema therapy is an intensive, long-term treatment that can be very beneficial for those who struggle with mental health issues.

If you feel that you would benefit from schema therapy, don't hesitate to contact Your Psychologist to arrange an initial consultation today. Operating from our Elsternwick clinic (or remotely via TeleHealth services), we also provide tailored therapy treatment for anxiety, depression, phobias, addiction and other mental health concerns.