ABSTRACT
Incorporating concepts from attachment theory, psychodynamic and Rogerian psychotherapy, Schema Therapy (ST) views the therapy relationship as a powerful healing agent. Two features of the therapeutic alliance are vital in ST: limited reparenting and empathic confrontation. This chapter focuses on both the therapy relationship and ending ST. The authors give a brief history of the development of the therapeutic relationship. They then describe how the therapy relationship varies depending on the patient’s disorders: for example, the emphasis on warmth and validation for patients with borderline personality disorder, while patients with narcissistic personality disorder require consistent limit-setting and clear boundaries. They also focus on therapist pitfalls: how our own schemas and maladaptive coping modes hinder the foundation of a good therapy relationship. Finally, the authors discuss endings, focusing on how to engage the patient’s healthy side in becoming increasingly self-sufficient in the therapy’s closing stages; and the use of letters, photographs, audio/video messages and other attachment objects to maintain a sense of connection between therapist and patient even after therapy has come to an end.
