General Abstract:

This Symposium aims to deepen the knowledge of the Healthy Modes (i.e. Healthy Adult and Child Mode), integrating theoretical, empirical and experiential contributions. Literature has shown across the years that the presence of a higher amount of Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs) predicts higher levels of psychopathology and lower levels of well-being and life satisfaction. However, the relation between specific schema domains and healthy aspects of personality remains less explored. Which schemas, belonging to which domains predict the underdevelopment of healthy modes? Which variables mediate such relation? The answers raise questions of considerable interest both from a theoretical and a practical perspective. By the use of clinical vignettes and practical experiential examples will be shown how to connect therapist’s and patient’s healthy parts in order to strengthen the therapeutic relationship. Finally, we will provide possible strategies and useful techniques specifically directed at strengthening the Healthy Modes, which is the ultimate goal of any ST intervention.

Presentation 1

Title: How does the Healthy Adult mode really work? 

Abstract:
Everybody talks about the importance of the Healthy Adult mode for making progress in Schema therapy. But besides general remarks frequently details about HOW the Healthy Adult actually functions in detail are lacking. The 6 functional processes and the 3 styles of the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy add a lot to the table. This presentation introduces into how to make use of these techniques within a limited reparenting therapy relationship, the mode changing process and balancing change and acceptance.

Reference: Roediger, E., Stevens, B., & Brockman, R. (2018). Contextual Schema Therapy: An Integrative Approach to Personality Disorders, Emotional Dysregulation, and Interpersonal Functioning. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

Presentation 2

Title: How "Impact Techniques" implement Health Adult and Happy Child modes. “Playing” in the therapeutic Relationship 

Abstract:
“Impact techniques” consist in a variety of experiential and appealing interventions which demonstrate concepts and models to the patients and support them during the process of change. In schema therapy, these techniques can be used effectively to illustrate pictorially the mode-model and the mode-change as well as to initiate and deepen change processes.

These techniques can be applied to implement the healthy adult and the child in a playful and creative way. The aim of the therapeutic relationship is not only to fulfil attachment needs, the need for autonomy and, if necessary, for limit-setting, but also the need for play, spontaneity and creativity.

This presentation will provide a small foretaste of these techniques within a playful, limited-reparenting therapeutic relationship.

This Skill Class is intended for: 

Everyone

About the Presenter:

Eckhard Roediger

Eckhard Roediger (MD), born 1959, Neurologist, Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist. Trained in psychodynamic and Cognitive-Behavior therapy. Formerly Director of a Psychosomatic Department of a clinic in Berlin (GER), since 2007 working in Private Practice and Director of the Schema Therapy Training Center in Frankfurt (GER). Past-president and honorary member of the ISST. Working on the conceptual background of ST and its integration into CBT, Couples therapy and integrating Mindfulness and ACT into ST.