Schema Therapy. Schema therapy (ST) is an integrative approach that brings together elements from cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment and object relations theories, and Gestalt and experiential therapies. It was introduced by Jeff Young in 1990 and has been developed and refined since then.

Who invented schema therapy?

Dr. Jeffrey Young began the development of schema therapy in the mid-1980s after he found cognitive behavioral therapy to be less helpful for some individuals than others, particularly those with chronic characterological concerns.

Why was schema therapy developed?

Schema therapy is designed to help people break these stubborn, negative patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving and replace them with healthier alternatives (Pearl, n . d.).