ABSTRACT
Helping couples form and maintain stable and intimate attachments is a cornerstone of Schema Therapy. This chapter describes a treatment approach that focuses on breaking negative mode cycles (dysfunctional coping patterns between partners) and healing underlying maladaptive schemas to enable the core emotional needs of both partners to be met. Schema Therapy for Couples (ST-C) stands out from other couples’ therapy models by clearly conceptualising how each partner’s unmet needs and coping mechanisms play out in their prototypical cycles of distress. The authors illustrate three stages of ST-C treatment, including assessment, change and resolution. Key techniques are illustrated, including connecting dialogues, imagery rescripting and chairwork, through each stage of treatment, showing how schema couples therapy can be applied to challenging couples dynamics.
The chapter outlines a detailed case vignette with a couple presenting with chronic relationship distress demonstrating the core principles and strategies of ST-C.
