Schema Therapy Society e.V. (ISST) - Schema Couples Therapy Curriculum

CURRICULUM

SCHEMA COUPLES THERAPY CERTIFICATION MODULES

I. Assessment

Identify schemas of each partner, and define the default relationship mode cycle
Use assessment inventories: YSQ-3, YPI, SMI, BDI, BAI, DAS, WC, etc.
Conceptualize schemas and the default mode cycle
Link childhood wounds and maladaptive relationship patterns to current relationship, and identify strengths of the relationship
Introduce Schema Flashcard, Mode Mapping, Mode Clash Card, Needs vs. Wants Tool
Identify schema chemistry and schema clashes
Assess degree of passion, romance, intimacy, and sexual satisfaction
Determine if any complicating factors (levels of commitment, individual past trauma or disorders, injuries in the relationship, etc.) and/or contraindications (active affairs, addictions, patterns of violence, etc.)
Find supplemental resources or treatment, as needed
Create "Needs Road Map"
Identify vision of the love relationship: goals, dreams, mission, desired legacy
Establish goals of treatment, and set the time frame

Create and maintain a secure therapeutic bond
Apply a therapist stance of being flexible, active, and directive
Practice "empathic confrontation," as needed
Use therapeutic self-disclosure
Intervene when therapist's own schemas and modes are activated in-session
Differentiate between the "wants" and the "needs" of the therapist and the couple
Repair ruptures in the therapeutic relationship
Discuss ethics and confidentiality concerns with the couple (disclosures, consultation with other therapists, conflicts of interest, confidentiality issues, etc.)

Connecting Dialogues: provide antidotes to schemas and maladaptive modes by identifying and expressing (1) core emotions (2) urges to cope. Next, use adaptive coping modes to invite partner to meet needs
Chair Work: use mode dialogues to address mode cycle and schemas
Imagery Rescripting: identify childhood origins of schemas, link to current relationship, create antidote to schema origins while deepening emotional depth and increasing emotional connection
Use tools to shift clashes: Mode Clash Cards, Schema Flashcards, Meta-perspective, "Needs vs. Wants" tool, etc.
Couples Toolbox: assign homework to solidify work in-between sessions

Develop a language for deeper emotional connection
Build shared meaning in roles, rituals, goals, values, dreams
Create a shared narrative of the couple's story, including desired legacy
Build and sustain mutually satisfying passion, romance, intimacy, and sexual satisfaction, and address any sexual dysfunctions
Solidify mode cycles to create antidotes to schemas with interactions involving (a.) self-and-partner soothing (b.) inviting bids (c.) successful repairs (d.) stance of curiosity and acceptance

Address and heal relationship injuries (affairs, betrayals, other significant injuries)
Confront addictions, aggressive modes, and patterns of physical violence
Treat couples with survivors of childhood trauma (sexual, emotional, physical)
Treat specific personality disorders in a couple (BPD, NPD, Avoidant, Antisocial, etc.)