Group Schema Therapy ISST Certification Curriculum Part 1 Farrell, Shaw & Younan

Workshop 1:  3 Day Introduction to Group Schema Therapy:The Model and Method

Joan Farrell, Ph.D., Ida Shaw, M.A. & Rita Younan, Ph.D.

Schema Therapy Institute Australia

Group Schema Therapy was developed by Farrell & Shaw (1994, 2012). The GST model integrates their original group work with Young’s individual Schema Therapy (ST)(2003) & the ST outcome research of Arntz (2009).  GST strategically uses the therapeutic factors of the group modality to catalyze the work of schema mode change. GST is a unique approach to ST that goes far beyond traditional group therapy models; furthermore, it does not simply incorporate individual ST interventions into a group format, rather, has developed new adaptations of ST interventions for the group modality. The central idea behind GST is that the group members, with the guidance of the therapists, create their own “family” in which they add sibling socialization to the reparenting the therapists provide. As part of this group corrective emotional process patients do imagery and roleplaying exercises in which they take on the roles of each group member’s various modes (e.g., the Detached Protector, the Healthy Adult, Punitive Parent) and ultimately heal them.  The experience of ST in a supportive, validating group can directly impact and heal key schemas such as, abandonment, defectiveness, emotional deprivation, social isolation and mistrust/abuse. Like individual ST, GST improves: stability of self, interpersonal relationships, social, family, and occupational functioning and quality of life. There is considerable research now supporting the effectiveness of the GST approach, including empirical validation from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) (Farrell & Shaw, 2009) and pilot studies conducted in the US, the Netherlands and in Germany (Reiss, Lieb, Arntz, Shaw & Farrell, 2013). These studies demonstrated very large positive effects from even a short group treatment of thirty sessions.

GST was developed with BPD patients but like individual ST it is trans-diagnostic and adaptable to other personality disorders, complex trauma and other challenging populations as well as entrenched maladaptive schema and mode effects in any patients. The mode approach is an advantage of ST in the uncertain diagnostic time of DSMV.

This 3 day workshop on the basics of Group Schema Therapy counts towards certification in Group Schema Therapy with the International Society for Schema Therapy. It is part of the ISST approved GST Certification programs of the STI Midwest-Indianapolis and of the STI Australia. Standard level Certification includes 20 hours of supervision. Workshop attendees are given priority in scheduling supervision with the trainers. For costs and other information visit the website for Schema Therapy Institute Australia.