Refining the Experiential Component of Schema Therapy for Traumatised Populations: a New Continuum of Experiential Techniques

Abstract

The schema therapy model is a potential new viable alternative for trauma-focused psychotherapy. This is because it employed a series of integrative and experiential techniques to resolve the unconscious impacts of past traumatic experiences. Additionally, its unique concepts of Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) and Schema Modes provided a new explanation for understanding trauma impacts. However, as schema therapy was not designed for trauma work, it does have certain limitations in its techniques, especially in its experiential component. In this theoretical paper, the identified limitations of the experiential techniques in schema therapy were addressed through assimilative integrating art therapy, dream-work and psychodynamic techniques. A new continuum of experiential techniques was created and integrated into schema therapy. This newly integrated schema therapy was named ‘trauma-focused schema therapy’ (Tf-ST). The six steps of assimilative integration were illustrated.