What Is A Schema Mode?

What schema modes are there?

There are four basic categories of schema modes, which help to label and identify the way someone thinks, feels and acts when their schemas are activated:

• Child modes – thoughts, feelings and behaviours are like a child when a core need(s) is not adequately met. Subcategories are vulnerable, angry, impulsive and undisciplined.

• Critic or parent modes – the internalised critical voice of an attachment figure (such as parents, teachers and peers) during childhood and adolescence. Subcategories are punitive critic and demanding critic.

• Maladaptive coping modes – overused defence mechanisms or survival-based coping styles; typically fight (overcompensating), flight (avoidance) or freeze (surrender).

• Healthy modes – thoughts, feelings and behaviours are healthy as core needs are being met in an adaptive manner.

Schema mode therapy

The goal in schema therapy is to decrease maladaptive coping modes while strengthening the healthy coping modes. We aim to equip you with the emotional tools and techniques to reinforce your “healthy” schema mode, and nurture or neutralise your other schema modes.

At Your Psychologist in Elsternwick, evidence-based psychologist and internationally accredited coach Franco Greco will help you break out of self-defeating patterns and implement sustainable positive changes.

Franco has worked closely alongside patients with varying obstacles to their mental health and well-being; from emotional deprivation and social isolation to mistrust issues and feelings of failure or abandonment.

Book an appointment online today

Schedule an appointment at Your Psychologist in Elsternwick, or get in touch to learn more about schema modes and schema mode therapy.