What Are Schemas?
This informational handout provides a client-friendly introduction to early maladaptive schemas (EMS).
What Are Schemas?
Early maladaptive schemas (or ‘schemas’ for short) are negative themes or patterns in our thoughts and feelings that persist throughout our lives. Research indicates that schemas play a role in many mental health difficulties. This tool explains what schemas are, where they come from, and how they work.
Overview
Schema therapy posits that psychological difficulties stem from early maladaptive schemas (EMS) and peoples’ characteristic responses to them, referred to as ‘coping styles’. EMS are defined as negative, pervasive themes or patterns regarding oneself and one’s relationship with others that are dysfunctional and self-defeating.
This What Are Schemas? handout forms part of the Psychology Tools Schema series. It is designed to help clients and therapists to work more effectively with common early maladaptive schemas (EMS).
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