Treatments / Therapies

Schema therapy

Discover a pathway to overcoming negative thought patterns and behaviours with schema therapy at Harbor. Our personalised approach focuses on your unique needs, ensuring a comprehensive and compassionate treatment experience.

Schema therapy

Transform your mindset with schema therapy at Harbor

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is perhaps one of the most difficult mental health conditions to live with – it is hard for friends and family to understand the mood swings, intrusive thoughts, and impulsiveness that cause sufferers to act differently to other people. However, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment means that it is very much possible to lead a fulfilling life.

This is where, at Harbor, we utilise schema therapy to treat BPD and other mood disorders, like anxiety and depression. Schema therapy is a branch of psychotherapy that addresses deeply ingrained patterns of thinking and behaviour, known as schemas.

These schemas often stem from childhood experiences – such as unmet and unfulfilled physical or emotional needs, not having age-appropriate boundaries set by caregivers, childhood trauma, or even something as simple as not having the opportunity to play freely and express oneself – and can significantly impact adult relationships and overall mental health. Our London-based psychologists and psychiatrists are skilled in taking a whole person approach that helps replace negative schemas with positive, healthy thought patterns

Our approach

What to expect from schema therapy

Schema therapy is centred around identifying and transforming negative schemas that influence your behaviour and emotions. During sessions, you will work with your dedicated therapist to explore these, link them to specific childhood events and experiences and, over time, learn to identify your own schemas and what you can do to change them. A lot of these schemas may come as a surprise to you, and so many participants report a greater sense of getting to know ‘you’, and a deeper understanding of why you act the way you do. This means you will be able to have your core emotional needs met in a healthier, more sustainable way. This will improve how you treat yourself, and simultaneously allow you to better interact with others and build healthy, prolonged relationships. This process involves:

  • Uncovering schemas: Identifying negative thought patterns and behaviours rooted in unmet childhood needs or traumatic experiences.
  • Understanding origins: Linking schemas to specific childhood experiences, such as trauma, overindulgence, or unhealthy caregiver behaviours.
  • Developing healthy coping mechanisms: Learning to let go and replace negative schemas with positive ways of processing emotions, such as breathing exercises, journaling, and other healthy coping strategies.
https://harborlondon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/chris-hardy-iId0cwzygFY-unsplash-1-scaled.jpg https://harborlondon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/chris-hardy-iId0cwzygFY-unsplash-1-scaled.jpg
How it works

How schema therapy can help you

Our expert clinical team will use schema therapy as a natural and effective approach to both managing and overcoming negative thought patterns, equipping you with the tools and insights needed to function as a healthy adult. This can be used to effectively and sustainably treat a wide range of disorders, and isn’t limited to one specific condition:

  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Helping manage mood swings, impulsiveness, and intense emotions.
  • Anxiety and depression: Addressing underlying schemas that contribute to these conditions.
  • Substance abuse: Identifying and transforming schemas that drive addictive behaviours.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Healing from traumatic childhood experiences that impact current mental health.
  • Self-discovery: Gaining a deeper understanding of your behaviours and thought patterns, leading to increased self-acceptance and self-worth.
https://harborlondon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/london.jpg
Locations

Therapy sessions are conducted in one of our carefully selected luxury residential properties throughout Central London, depending on your overarching treatment preferences. We can also offer at-home or online services depending on your personal circumstances and needs.

Facilities

Our range of highly discreet residential properties provide a serene and luxurious environment that is designed to promote healing and comfort. Every aspect of your treatment programme is tailored to ensure a fully curated, and truly transformative experience.

Specialised Staff

Our multidisciplinary team includes some of the UK’s leading psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists specialising in schema therapy. Their combined expertise ensures you receive the highest standard of care.

One-at-a-time

Harbor’s pioneering ‘one client at a time’ treatment approach guarantees complete privacy, security and anonymity. It also means that your therapy is completely dedicated and personalised to your specific needs, ensuring focused support and lasting recovery.

After Harbor

Upon completing your therapy at Harbor, we provide robust aftercare programs to support your ongoing mental wellbeing and integration into everyday life. We remain committed to your long-term health and recovery.

Get in touch

Embark on your journey to lasting change

At Harbor, we are committed to helping you unravel the complexities of your past and transform your future. Schema therapy offers a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing, guiding you toward a life of emotional stability and healthy relationships. Get in touch to discuss schema therapy options today.

Open chat
Hello 👋
Can we help you?