Schema Therapy Institute Australia

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Schema Therapy Institute Australia

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Schema Therapy Institute Australia is dedicated to helping clients with their goals and achieving well-being.

Schema Therapy Institute specializes in intensive Schema based therapy training, treatment and research.

20/10/2026

In Schema Therapy, schemas are enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating to ourselves and others, often shaped by early experiences. Today, we're focusing on the Abandonment schema.

This schema can develop when our needs for safety, stability, and secure attachment are not consistently met. It may arise when people we depend on are unpredictable, emotionally unavailable, or absent, or when we experience significant loss or separation. We may have grown up unsure of whether others would be there for us or experienced relationships that felt unstable. Over time, we may come to expect that the people we care about will eventually leave.

When this schema is activated, we may feel anxious about losing people, become sensitive to changes in their behaviour, or struggle when someone feels distant. You might notice thoughts like “They’re going to leave me,” “Something is wrong,” or “I’m going to lose them.” We may seek reassurance, become clingy, feel distressed when others need space, or pull away from relationships to avoid getting hurt.

While these responses may have helped us cope with uncertainty in the past, they can make it difficult to feel secure in relationships as an adult. The Healthy Adult mode helps us recognise when our fear of abandonment is being triggered. We can learn to separate past experiences from what is happening now, soothe ourselves when uncertainty arises, and build trust in our ability to cope. Over time, we can feel more secure in ourselves and develop relationships without constantly fearing that they will end.

Interested in learning more? See the link below to watch our 7-minute schema episode on this topic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfBMLiFPIV8

13/10/2026

The Healer's Journey | Envision Wellness Retreat

A psilocybin-assisted retreat for therapists and clinicians, taking place in Alentejo, Portugal, from 8–13 June 2027.

Unlock your own healing and deepen your practice.

Interested in learning more? Join an upcoming information evening in Melbourne or online.

📍 Melbourne: Friday 27 November, 3:30–5:00 pm
💻 Online: Thursday 3 December 2026, 7:00 pm AEDT

RSVP: [email protected]

Find out more at envisionwellnessretreat.com/therapistretreats

09/10/2026

Want to feel more equipped to manage difficult emotions and navigate relationships?

STIA’s online DBT Skills Group teaches practical strategies for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness.

🗓️ Commencing 11 November 2026
💻 Online | Wednesdays, 10:30 am–12 pm

Interested? See the link below:

https://www.stia.com.au/group-therapy

21/09/2026

Core Needs: Realistic Limits and Self-Control

When our need for realistic limits and self-control is met consistently, we learn that we can manage frustration, tolerate disappointment, and regulate our impulses. We develop the ability to consider our own needs alongside the needs of others, take responsibility for our choices, and work towards things even when they aren't immediately rewarding.

When this need isn't consistently met, we’re more likely to learn that we should be able to have what we want when we want it, that frustration is difficult to tolerate, that other people should accommodate our needs, or that rules don't really apply to us. These early experiences can later show up as difficulty with impulse control, low frustration tolerance, difficulty delaying gratification, struggling with responsibilities, or giving up when things become difficult. For some people, the opposite can also happen. When limits are overly strict or controlling, we may learn that we have to control ourselves perfectly, that mistakes aren't okay, or that our wants and feelings need to be suppressed.

These are understandable responses to experiences where we didn't have the opportunity to develop a healthy balance between freedom and limits. The good news is that these patterns aren't fixed. Through supportive relationships, therapy, and practising new ways of responding to frustration and impulses, we can develop more helpful self-control while still allowing ourselves to have needs, wants and emotions 🌱

18/09/2026

These four neurotransmitters/hormones are often referred to as ‘happy chemicals’. This is due to their role in the body.

DOPAMINE – Released when doing something pleasurable. It is involved in providing motivation to complete tasks.

OXYTOCIN – Released when we feel connected, safe, and close to the people who are important to us. Its purpose is to strengthen bonds between people.

SEROTONIN – Plays a key role in regulating mood, wound healing, sleep, and digestion.

ENDORPHIN – Released during pleasurable (exercise, laughter, s*x) and painful experiences (e.g. twisting your ankle). It can reduce pain and discomfort while improving our mood.

These four chemicals are naturally released throughout the day. The good news is that there are also behaviours we can engage in that produce these chemicals and, consequently, boost our mood! Try it out for yourself and incorporate one of these behaviours into your day.

07/09/2026

In Schema Therapy, schemas are enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating to ourselves and others, often shaped by early experiences. Today, we're focusing on the Enmeshment / Undeveloped Self schema.

This schema often develops when our core needs for autonomy, independence, and a clear sense of identity are not consistently met. It can arise when we grow up in relationships where separation was discouraged, independence was viewed as disloyal, or we were expected to be highly attuned to another person’s needs and emotions. We may have felt responsible for a parent’s wellbeing, been closely involved in family life, or had limited opportunities to develop our own preferences or identity. As a result, we may come to experience closeness and connection as requiring us to give up parts of ourselves.

When this schema is activated, it can show up as difficulty knowing what we want, guilt when prioritising ourselves, or a strong sense of responsibility for others. You might notice thoughts like “I need to be there for them,” “I can’t let them down,” or “I don’t know what I want.” In response, we may defer to others when making decisions, avoid expressing different opinions, become overly involved in other people’s lives, or feel uncomfortable spending time apart. We may also struggle to identify our own needs, preferences, values, or goals outside of our relationships.

While these coping styles may have originally helped us maintain connection and safety in important relationships, over time they can make it harder to develop a strong sense of who we are as an individual. The Healthy Adult mode helps us recognise when this schema is shaping how we see ourselves and our relationships. We can start with noticing when we are automatically prioritising others, becoming aware of our own wants and needs, and learning that having boundaries or a separate identity does not mean we care about others any less. Over time, we can develop a stronger sense of self while still maintaining close and meaningful relationships.

Interested in learning more? See the link below to watch our 7-minute schema episode on this topic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WePZAoq6Ks4&list=PLsrqFASybO-PNVLTescuMOiCKvJ33THLG&index=17

20/08/2026

We’re excited to support our colleagues with this special Singapore Schema Therapy training opportunity! 🌿

Join Janis Briedis for Body-Focused Schema Therapy Level 1 on 29–30 October, followed by East Meets West: Integrating Culture into Schema Therapy on 31 October with Daniela Ho Tan.

A great opportunity to deepen your experiential Schema Therapy skills.

To find out more and to access the bundles please see below. Bundles can be accessed at both links.

- Daniela Ho Tan: https://buytickets.at/projecthorizen/2138171

- Janis Briedis: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/schematherapyschooluk/2154929

18/08/2026

Core Needs: Freedom to Express & Validation

When our need for freedom to express ourselves and have our feelings, thoughts, and needs validated is met consistently, we learn that our inner experiences matter. We develop the confidence to express what we think and feel, ask for what we need, and trust that we can be ourselves without being rejected or criticised.

When this need isn't consistently met, we’re more likely to learn that our feelings are too much, our needs are inconvenient, or that it’s safer to keep parts of ourselves hidden. These early experiences can later show up as difficulty expressing emotions, people-pleasing, suppressing our needs, fear of criticism, or feeling responsible for keeping other people happy.

These are understandable responses to experiences where being oneself didn't always feel safe or welcome. The encouraging news is that these patterns aren't fixed. Through healthy relationships, therapy, and experiences of being heard and accepted, we can learn that our feelings and needs matter 🌱

13/08/2026

In Schema Therapy, schemas are enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating to ourselves and others, often shaped by early experiences. Today, we're focusing on the Social Isolation / Alienation schema.

This schema often develops when our core needs for belonging, connection, and acceptance are not consistently met. It can arise through experiences of feeling different, excluded, or disconnected from peers, family, or community. We may have grown up in environments where we felt unlike those around us, experienced bullying or rejection, moved frequently, or struggled to find a group where we felt we truly belonged. As a result, we may come to believe that we are fundamentally different from others or that we don't fit in.

When this schema is activated, it can show up as loneliness, self-consciousness, or a sense of being on the outside. You might notice thoughts like "I don't belong here," "I'm different from everyone else," or "people don't understand me." In response, we may withdraw from social situations, avoid groups or new experiences, stay quiet, or assume we won't be accepted before giving others the opportunity to know us. Alternatively, we may work hard to blend in, hide parts of ourselves, or change how we behave in order to feel more accepted.

While these coping styles may have originally helped us protect ourselves from rejection, embarrassment, or feeling different, over time they can reinforce the belief that we don't belong and make it harder to develop meaningful connections.

The Healthy Adult mode helps us recognise when this schema is shaping how we see ourselves and our relationships. This often begins with questioning the assumption that being different means we don't belong, noticing when we are withdrawing or predicting rejection, and gradually allowing ourselves to take small risks in connection. Over time, we can learn that belonging does not require us to be the same as everyone else, and that meaningful relationships can develop when we allow ourselves to be seen.

Interested in learning more? See below to watch our 7-minute schema episode on this topic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jL3Ib6Hvy0&list=PLsrqFASybO-PNVLTescuMOiCKvJ33THLG&index=7

04/08/2026

A questions we sometimes hear in Schema Therapy supervision is:

"How do I know if this is Angry Child, Angry Protector, or Bully & Attack?"

It's a great question because all three modes can present with anger but they serve very different functions.

💥 Angry Child expresses distress. The anger comes from feeling hurt, unheard, misunderstood, or having important emotional needs unmet.

🛡️ Angry Protector uses anger to create distance. It's a protective response that helps keep vulnerability, shame, and people at arm's length.

⚔️ Bully & Attack uses anger to gain control or dominance. Underneath, there is often shame, insecurity, or fear.

When we're trying to identify a mode, it's easy to focus on how the anger looks. Instead, try asking:

• What is this anger trying to achieve?
• What is it protecting?
• What need is sitting underneath it?

The answers often point us towards the correct mode and the intervention that is most likely to help.

If you're looking to deepen your Schema Therapy skills, STIA offers individual supervision designed to help clinicians strengthen their formulations, build confidence in their interventions, and translate Schema Therapy theory into effective clinical practice. See our website for available supervisors.

Address

172 Buckley Street, Essendon
Melbourne, VIC
3040

Telephone

+61393312878

Website

https://www.stia.com.au/

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