ABSTRACT
When trying to change behaviour it is possible to better understand schemas, because the obstacles to new actions surface. With behavioural exercises the body, acting differently, becomes a powerful long-term tool for interrupting the procedural component of schemas. Intercepting problematic behaviour and stopping patients automatically performing it thus helps in improving metacognitive monitoring. Therapists are likely to react with anxiety, doubts about their abilities, guilt or frustration. Their own coping mechanism is a tendency to be hyper-active, proposing one task after another and trying to convince the patient they have hope or pushing him towards premature change. Overall, behavioural exercises have two goals: to start from healthy wishes and suggest patients act in line with these, and to interrupt maladaptive coping. The structure of behavioural activities in Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy is consistent with Kolb’s experiential learning cycle: planning, performing, and reflection.
