In this theoretical review schema therapy, a recently developed approach within the cognitive-behavioral tradition will be introduced. Schema therapy approach is a long-term (twice a week, two years), individual or group therapy for patients suffering from severe interpersonal problems, personality disorders, or chronic first axis disorders. In the first part of the paper the theoretical background of this highly integrative therapeutic approach is introduced, including its roots in cognitive behavior therapy, object relational and attachment theory, Gestalt therapy. In the second part, this review investigates the empirical evidences of schema therapy and early maladaptive schema theory. In the third part, the structure of schema therapy is summarized, and its specific techniques: cognitive, behavioral pattern breaking, experiential techniques and techniques focusing on the therapeutic relationship.
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