What Is Schema Therapy?
By Chris Hayes and Robert Brockman
Schema Therapy (ST), developed by Jeffrey Young in the 1990s, is an integrative psychotherapy model designed to help people understand and heal long-standing emotional patterns. These patterns, known as early maladaptive schemas, often develop when core emotional needs aren’t met in childhood.
Rather than focusing only on symptom management, Schema Therapy targets the deeper beliefs and emotional experiences that shape our behaviours, relationships, and self-perceptions. It integrates elements from CBT, attachment theory, Gestalt techniques, and psychodynamic therapy to provide a rich and flexible framework for long-term change.
Some of the key techniques include:
- Limited reparenting – creating a safe space within the therapeutic relationship to meet unmet needs
- Imagery rescripting – transforming painful childhood memories into healing emotional experiences
- Chair work – facilitating dialogue between different modes or parts of the self
Through these methods, Schema Therapy offers both depth and structure—making it a valuable model for working with complex and treatment-resistant presentations.
Why We Created Schema Therapy Training Online
We started Schema Therapy Training Online in 2019 with the goal of making high-quality Schema Therapy education more accessible for clinicians across the globe.
As two therapists based on opposite sides of Australia, we’ve always shared a passion for Schema Therapy and a belief in the importance of making learning flexible, practical, and engaging. After years of teaching together at workshops and international events, we launched this platform to support professionals looking to develop their skills—without needing to travel or take extended time away from practice.
Since then, we’ve developed a range of online courses, live workshops, and specialised programs, including our Imagery Rescripting School and the What’s the Schemata podcast.
Why Study Online?
We’ve spoken to many clinicians, educators, and students about what draws them to online learning. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Flexibility – Learn at your own pace and revisit materials when it suits your schedule.
- Accessibility – No need to travel or rearrange work and personal commitments.
- Relevance – Courses designed to be directly applicable to clinical work.
- Scalability – Start small, build up your knowledge, and deepen skills progressively.
We aim to support you in making meaningful learning a part of your professional rhythm—without the overwhelm.
As Wendy Behary recently put it when talking about the Schema Therapy Solutions course:
“I described this course to ISST members as a sidecar for clients, helping them enhance their understanding of the model for mid-session support.”
We love this description and believe it applies equally to therapists—online learning can be a supportive companion throughout your Schema Therapy journey.
Our Commitment to the Schema Therapy Community
In addition to our work through Schema Therapy Training Online, we’re both actively involved in the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST) and currently serve on the ISST Executive Board for 2024–2026:
- Dr. Robert Brockman – President, ISST Executive Board
- Chris Hayes – Media Coordinator, ISST Executive Board
We remain dedicated to helping shape the future of Schema Therapy, not only through teaching and training, but through advocacy, research, and community-building.
Explore Our Courses
Whether you’re just beginning your Schema Therapy journey or looking to go deeper into specific areas, we offer a range of training options to suit your learning style and clinical focus.
Thanks for being part of this growing learning community.
