Therapeutic approach
SchemaSchema Therapy
Explores long-standing life patterns and core beliefs that may be keeping you stuck in unhelpful cycles.
Key information you should know
- Addresses long-standing patterns and core beliefs, often rooted in early experiences.
- May use imagery, chair work, and dialogue alongside cognitive and relational work.
- Suited to recurring relationship, mood, or self-esteem difficulties.
Schema Therapy addresses deep-rooted patterns, often formed in childhood or adolescence, that shape how you see yourself, others, and the world. These "schemas" can contribute to recurring difficulties in relationships, mood, or self-esteem.
The approach blends cognitive, behavioural, and experiential methods. Techniques may include imagery, chair work, and dialogue to meet unmet emotional needs and strengthen your healthy adult self. The therapeutic relationship is central to the work.
Schema Therapy is often used for long-standing or complex concerns. Your psychologist will discuss whether it fits your presentation and goals.
Commonly helps with
Personality Disorders
Therapy for borderline, narcissistic, avoidant and other personality disorders — using Schema Therapy, DBT, and other evidence-based approaches.
Relationship Issues
Individual and couple therapy to navigate relationship difficulties — communication, connection, conflict, and separation.
Complex Trauma and cPTSD
Specialised, trauma-informed therapy for complex trauma and cPTSD — including EMDR, Schema Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.
Depression
Therapy for depression, low mood, and related experiences — working to rebuild motivation, meaning, and connection.
Psychologists who use this approach
10 Succoris clinicians draw on Schema in their practice.
Accepting new clientsBook with BandaiBandai Choi
Clinical Psychologist
Bandai supports individuals across the lifespan with a thoughtful and empathetic approach. He works collaboratively with clients to address complex challenges, tailoring therapy to each person's unique needs.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Accepting new clientsBook with CarolineCaroline Gorman
Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Caroline is an experienced psychologist who supports clients across the lifespan to work towards meaningful therapeutic outcomes. With more than 15 years of experience, she brings a thoughtful, non-judgemental approach.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Accepting new clientsBook with MalwinaMalwina Patton
Psychologist
Malwina provides a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard and understood. She works with individuals across the lifespan, helping people make sense of their experiences and move towards meaningful change.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Accepting new clientsBook with StaceyStacey Howes
Psychologist
Stacey offers a warm, collaborative therapeutic space for adults navigating a range of psychological concerns. She is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for every client.
Works from Succoris Tweed Heads
Accepting new clientsBook with SumairaSumaira Yousaf
Psychologist
Sumaira Yousaf is a registered General Psychologist with extensive international clinical experience across Australia and the UAE. She works with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a warm, strengths-focused approach.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Dr Catherine Hart
Founder & Clinical Director
Catherine is a Clinical Psychologist, APS Supervisor of the Year (2024), and co-founder of Succoris Psychology Group. She leads clinical standards across the group and is passionate about supporting psychologists to build sustainable, ethical practices.
Grace Crowley
Clinical Psychologist & Assessment Liaison
Gracie is a clinically endorsed and AHPRA-registered Clinical Psychologist. She works with clients across the lifespan (ages 8 and above) with a strong passion for supporting people who have experienced complex trauma.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Kristy Ward
Psychologist & Director
Kristy is a warm, highly experienced psychologist who brings nearly two decades of clinical practice to helping people feel understood, supported and confident as they work towards meaningful change.
2 clinics
Nikita Kettlewell
Clinical Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Nikita works collaboratively with clients to identify goals and strategies for each individual, using a warm, empathic and non-judgemental approach. She has a background in individual and group therapy.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Sophie Lord
Clinical Psychologist
Sophie provides warm, thoughtful therapy for children, adolescents and adults via telehealth. She is culturally aware, inclusive, and brings genuine curiosity to each person's story.
2 clinics
Common questions about Schema
What is schema therapy?
Schema therapy addresses long-standing patterns, often formed in childhood or adolescence, that shape how you see yourself, others, and the world. These patterns can contribute to recurring difficulties in relationships, mood, or self-esteem. The approach blends cognitive, behavioural, and experiential methods, and the therapeutic relationship is central to the work. It is commonly used for complex or persistent concerns.
How do I know if schema therapy is right for me?
Schema therapy may suit you if difficulties feel deep-rooted and repetitive, such as a harsh inner critic, fear of abandonment, or patterns that show up across relationships. It is often considered when shorter or more symptom-focused approaches have not shifted underlying patterns. It is usually longer-term work. Your psychologist can discuss whether schema therapy, or a blend of approaches, fits your history and goals.
What happens in a schema therapy session?
Schema therapy sessions combine talking, cognitive work, and experiential techniques. You might explore early experiences that shaped your patterns, use imagery or chair work to understand different parts of yourself, or practise responding differently in the therapeutic relationship. The pace is collaborative and often gradual, because the work goes deeper than surface symptoms. Sessions are typically around 50 minutes.
Can I access schema therapy through Medicare at Succoris?
Yes. No referral is required to book with Succoris. With a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan you may be eligible for Medicare rebates on individual sessions. Succoris psychologists experienced in schema therapy are available in person and by telehealth. Because schema therapy is often longer-term, it is worth discussing a realistic plan with your psychologist in the first session.
What is the difference between schema therapy and CBT?
Both are structured and evidence-based, but they focus on different depths. CBT typically targets current thoughts and behaviours maintaining distress. Schema therapy works with long-standing life patterns and core beliefs, often linked to early experiences. Schema therapy also uses experiential techniques and places strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship. Some psychologists combine both, using CBT skills alongside deeper schema work.
Unsure which approach is right for you?
Our team will help you find a psychologist and approach that fits your situation. You can browse clinicians who use Schema, book online, or contact us for a confidential discussion.