Schema therapy with animal assistance in Ballarat

Schema therapy is an integrative psychological approach that helps individuals recognise and change deeply ingrained negative patterns, known as schemas, that develop through our experiences in early life. These maladaptive schemas influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, often leading to distress, unhelpful choices and self-defeating cycles. Developed by Jeffrey Young, schema therapy combines elements of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), attachment theory, and emotion-focused techniques to address core emotional needs. It has been shown to be particularly effective for individuals with chronic mental health conditions, such as personality disorders, trauma, and persistent depression. By identifying and restructuring unhealthy schemas, our psychologists can help you develop healthier coping strategies, improve relationships, and foster emotional healing.

Schema therapy is a specialty at Barking Mad Company. Whilst we enjoy and value working with other treatment modalities including CBT and dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), we find that working from a schema approach can assist some individuals to delve a little deeper into the ‘how’ and ‘why’ challenges they experience as adults might have developed early on in life. Don’t worry, it’s not all “tell me about your relationship with your mother” (ok, there’s a bit of that!), but schema might be a good therapy fit for individuals who have tried CBT or other cognitive treatments previously and found they weren’t quite enough to achieve lasting change.

What happens in schema therapy?

Barking Mad Company uses a structured approach to applying schema therapy based on research evidence of positive outcomes. We provide education about schema “modes”, supporting you in learning about common maladaptive schemas and recognising how these patterns might influence a person’s emotions and behaviours. Then we work on connecting your personal experiences to different schema modes that might apply to you. We explore together how your early life experiences shaped your schemas and help you understand your emotional triggers and reactions. Finally, we work on developing your “Healthy Adult Mode” (affectionately known as “hammy”). Through cognitive restructuring, emotion-focused techniques, and behavioural change strategies, you ultimately work to replace unhelpful schemas with healthier coping responses, fostering self-compassion, resilience, and emotional well-being.

Be sure to have a look at our other animal therapy services and treatment areas, including assessment and diagnosis and EMDR.

Schema therapy can often produce some 'aha!' moments for individuals by revealing possible explanations for why they behave the way they do in certain situations.
Strengthening the healthy adult mode

Many clients with maladaptive schemas struggle with self-soothing and emotional regulation. Schema therapy with animal assistance promotes calmness, patience, and self-compassion, reinforcing the Healthy Adult mode.

Correcting maladaptive schemas through positive experiences

Therapy animals provide consistent companionship and unconditional support, challenging fears of rejection to those experiencing abandonment schemas.

  • For Mistrust/Abuse Schemas: Animals create a non-judgmental, safe relationship, helping clients rebuild trust in relationships.
  • For Emotional Deprivation Schemas: The comfort and affection from animals help clients feel emotionally nurtured.
Enhancing experiential techniques

Schema therapy often uses imagery rescripting and chair work to help clients reprocess past experiences. Holding or petting an animal during these exercises can increase feelings of security, making it easier to engage in emotional healing.

Encouraging behavioural change

Therapy animals help clients practice new coping strategies in real time, such as mindfulness, self-soothing, and assertiveness.

For those with social isolation patterns, interacting with an animal can be a bridge to human connection, promoting healthier social behaviours.

Schema therapy with animal assistance in Ballarat

Dog assisted schema therapy

Canine-supported schema therapy complements schema therapy treatment by offering emotional support, experiential learning, and real-life opportunities to challenge unhelpful schemas, reinforcing the development of a healthy adult mindset for long-term healing.

At Barking Mad Company, we use therapy dogs to enhance schema therapy by providing a safe, supportive, and emotionally nurturing environment, helping clients challenge and replace unhelpful schemas with healthier responses. 

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