Principles and Clinical Application of Schema Therapy for Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder

Abstract

Many approaches for treatment are proposed for Borderline Personality Disorder, but there is no single treatment approach that seems to be the treatment of choice. New approaches are emerging and during the past ten years several cognitive behavioural oriented therapies have been developed for the treatment of persons with Borderline Personality Disorder. The article presents some essential features of the most recent and integrative cognitive approach for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder, namely Schema therapy developed by Young and colleagues. Principles and application of Schema therapy are illustrated by clinical vignettes based on the authors' own clinical work with these patients.

Addressing the punitive parent mode in schema therapy for borderline personality disorder: Short-term effects of the empty chair technique as compared to cognitive challenging.

“…There are five central schema modes in BPD: 1) the abandoned and abused child, 2) the angry and impulsive child, 3) the detached protector, 4) the punitive parent, 5) the healthy adult mode (which is usually very weak in BPD patients). Patients with BPD are characterized by a powerful punitive parent mode (Nysaeter & Nordahl, 2008). This mode reflects internalized punitive beliefs about the self, which the patient has acquired in childhood due to the behavior and reactions of significant others (Arntz & Weertman, 1999).…”

Borderline Personality Disorder With Versus Without Alcohol Use Disorder: Comparing Impulsivity and Schema Modes

“…Schemas are dysfunctional themes or patterns, consisting of cognitions, emotions, bodily sensations, and memories, and are often closely tied to early childhood adverse events (Young et al, 2003). Schemas serve as "templates" (Nysaeter & Nordahl, 2008) for perception of everyday experiences. For example: A childhood that lacks emotional reliability might lead to the development of a "mistrust schema."…”