Positive and Negative Schemas

Positive and Negative Schemas

75 therapy cards

• how early childhood schemas shape us
• using schemas in psychotherapeutic work
• striking photos visualise the schemas


Maladaptive and adaptive schemas are central to schema therapy for understanding disorders and for planning the process of therapeutic change. This set of cards provides a new and creative opportunity for in-depth work with negative and positive schemas.

After a short introduction, the schemas are visualised with photos, described and extended using early relationship experiences and evidence which are typical for the schema. Examples of dysfunctional ways of coping with activated, maladaptive patterns of experience are provided. Concrete instructions on how to create individual mode sketches ultimately support the development and visualisation of the connections between schema activation and current experiences in interpersonal conflicts.

The cards enhance experience-oriented, schema-therapeutic work with schema activations and their present effect. They can be used for working with adults as well as with children and adolescents.

Module 1: Introduction
Module 2: 18 negative, maladaptive schemas
Module 3: 18 positive, adaptive schemas
Module 4: Creating an individual mode sketch


Target group
Psychological and medical psychotherapists, psychotherapists in training