Limited Reparenting:Old and Still New

by Jeff Conway

Although the Schema Therapy Model is now over 30 years old and has undergone some modifications along the way, what has remained consistent is the core element of Limited Reparenting. As a Needs-Based Integrated Psychotherapy Model, we believe that EarlyMaladaptive Schemas and Dysfunctional Modes developed is a result of important emotional needs during childhood and adolescence not being adequately met. The result of these Schemas and Modes undermines a person’s ability to gain self-understanding, form healthy relationships and function at the fullest capacity. The corrective emotional experiences to these challenges are in the form of attending to these unmet needs by first identifying them, validating them, stressing the importance of meeting these needs in one’s life and relationships, along with the attempt to attend to core emotional needs in the context of the therapeutic relationship. This is the focus of Limited Reparenting. We will consider the importance of remaining true to this core belief and stance of a Schema Therapist, which values a therapist’s flexibility, spontaneity& authenticity grounded in a deep emotional and intellectual attunement. This is what leads to a strong limited reparenting bond and the foundation to do the most effective work.

About the Presenter:

Jeff Conway:

Jeff Conway, LCSW is a founding member of the International Society of Schema Therapy and is currently on the Executive Board of the ISST as Training Coordinator. He has served in various roles within the ISST and has been a ST Trainer and Supervisor since 2008.  He is also a Certified ST Couples Therapist and Trainer.  He is trained in Emotion Focused Therapy, an innovative model for couples’ therapy based on Attachment Theory, and is a founder of The New York Center for Emotion Focused Therapy.   He is also a Certified Group Therapist and has led 2 Psychodynamic Groups for over 15 years.  Jeff also has expertise on the Enmeshment and Undeveloped Self Schema and has provided training and supervision on conceptualizing and establishing strategies to help heal this Unconditional Schema.  Special focus of this work has been the impact of the Enmeshment Schema on primary relationships and strategizing ways to address this Schema in the context of couples’ treatment.