Different Coaching Approaches: Schema Coaching
Schema coaching is a recently developed area of practice that focuses
on identifying and transforming deep-seated patterns of thinking, feeling, and
behaving known as "schema". These schema are often formed in
childhood and can influence how individuals perceive themselves, others, and
the world around them. Schema coaching involves helping clients recognize their
schema, understand how these patterns impact their lives, and develop
strategies to challenge and change them. It typically involves a combination of
cognitive, emotional, and behavioural techniques to promote personal growth,
resilience, and well-being.
In schema coaching we seek to transform the maladaptive schema, which are recurring themes ingrained within the client. These patterns manifest themselves not only in the client's thoughts but also in his or her emotions and even in physical sensations, leading to self-defeating behaviours and outcomes that persist over time.
Early maladaptive schema (EMS) develop when specific childhood needs are not met. They are organised, persistent patterns of thought and behaviour that typically develop in early childhood. They are self-defeating or dysfunctional, sometimes real 'life traps'. For example, a client with the 'failure' EMS may be a highly trained and experienced professional but despite this is haunted by an underlying sense that things will go badly wrong at any moment.
Coaches using schema therapy should ideally be formally trained in clinical psychology, certainly have undertaken a recognised schema therapy training programme and have a supervisor with extensive schema therapy experience.
In schema coaching, after identifying and assessing the counterproductive behaviour patterns, the coach adopts the 'Healthy Adult' role and challenges the client's persistent thought patterns in a variety of ways, helping them to repair the psychological damage done in childhood.
McCormick (2022), based on his personal schema coaching experience, found that the eight schema commonly seen in coaching are:
■ Unrealistic striving
■ Lack of support
■ Excessive involvement with others
■ Sense of failure
■ Feeling overly controlled
■ Needing approval
■ Pessimism
■ Lack
of spontaneity
Schema work might be beneficial if you resonate with any of the following:
You notice yourself reacting strongly to certain situations, often resulting in impulsive actions that you later regret.
You consistently find yourself attracted to the same type of partner, despite your emotional needs not being met in these relationships.
You feel trapped in repetitive patterns or addictive behaviors that seem impossible to break.
Saying no is challenging for you, and the idea of others disliking you weighs heavily on your mind.
You struggle with low self-esteem or confidence, hindering your ability to reach your full potential.