Schema Therapy: Understanding and Healing Deep Emotional Patterns

We all grow up with core emotional needs—like being loved, feeling safe, encouraged, having fun, and knowing that someone truly understands us. When these needs are met, we feel secure and connected. But when they’re not, it can shape how we see ourselves and the world.

In schema therapy, we call these long-standing patterns “schemas.” Some are helpful and guide us well. Others, formed from unmet needs or difficult experiences, can become unhelpful. They might sound like, “I’m not good enough,” or “People will always let me down.” These beliefs can feel true, even if they’re not.

When these schemas get triggered in adulthood—by stress, conflict, or relationships—we often fall into old coping habits. Maybe we shut down, overwork, withdraw, or people-please. These habits may have once protected us, but now they can hold us back from growing, healing, and connecting in meaningful ways.

So, what is Schema Therapy?

Schema therapy is a powerful, evidence-based approach that goes beyond surface-level symptom relief. It helps you get to the root of emotional patterns and create deep, lasting change. It combines elements of several therapies, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, and experiential approaches like chair work and imagery rescripting.

What Schema Therapy looks like at Marsden Health

At Marsden Health, we walk alongside you to explore your life story in a safe, supportive environment. Together, we work through:

• Your early experiences – What was it like growing up? What relationships shaped you?
• Your coping styles – How have you learned to deal with emotional pain? Are those ways still helping you?
• Your emotional world – We use active, emotion-focused tools like imagery rescripting and chair work to help shift deep patterns.
• Your healthy adult self – This part of you is wise, grounded, and nurturing. We help you strengthen it so you can meet life’s challenges with confidence and self-compassion.

How Schema Therapy can help

• Heal emotional wounds that stem from childhood or long-standing patterns.
• Shift unhelpful beliefs and coping habits that keep you stuck.
• Build stronger, healthier relationships, including the one you have with yourself.
• Create real, lasting change, not just short-term fixes.

You’re Not Alone

Many people carry emotional patterns that no longer serve them—and it’s not their fault. Schema therapy offers a way to understand these patterns and gently start to change them, with support every step of the way.

At Marsden Health, we’re here to help you feel seen, safe, and supported as you build a more fulfilling life—one that aligns with who you truly are.

You deserve to feel whole, connected, and confident. Schema therapy can help you get there.