Abstract

Objective:

This qualitative survey aimed to explore schema therapists’ perceptions of how their early maladaptive schemas are activated in their therapeutic work, and how they manage their reactions.

Method:

An online qualitative survey was conducted with 22 schema therapists. Following brief demographic questions, participants were asked three open-ended questions about their schema activation and associated reactions. An inductive-deductive hybrid thematic analysis of the qualitative responses identified four superordinate themes and 12 subthemes.

Results:

Participants described several negative impacts on their therapeutic work, including avoiding limit setting, becoming argumentative or aggressive, detaching or avoiding, and over-functioning. An array of strategies for managing schema and countertransference reactions were identified, including refocusing on the client’s vulnerability, caring for one’s own vulnerability and connecting with one’s healthy adult self, and engaging in supervision, training, personal therapy, and self-care. Notably, several participants described how their internal reactions can be used advantageously to conceptualize and support clients, and to facilitate therapists’ personal development.

Conclusion:

The findings highlighted that although schema and associated countertransference experiences can be challenging, awareness and effective management of therapists’ reactions can benefit treatment and promote personal growth.

中文翻译：

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图式治疗师对他们早期适应不良的图式对治疗影响的看法

摘要

客观的：

这项定性调查旨在探索图式治疗师对他们的早期适应不良图式如何在他们的治疗工作中被激活以及他们如何管理他们的反应的看法。

方法：

对 22 名图式治疗师进行了在线定性调查。在简短的人口统计问题之后，参与者被问到三个关于他们的图式激活和相关反应的开放式问题。对定性反应的归纳-演绎混合主题分析确定了四个上位主题和 12 个子主题。

结果：

参与者描述了对其治疗工作的一些负面影响，包括避免设定限制、变得好争辩或好斗、疏离或回避以及过度运作。确定了一系列管理图式和反移情反应的策略，包括重新关注客户的脆弱性、照顾自己的脆弱性和与健康的成年自我联系，以及参与监督、培训、个人治疗和自我保健。值得注意的是，几位参与者描述了他们的内部反应如何有效地用于概念化和支持客户，并促进治疗师的个人发展。

结论：

研究结果强调，尽管图式和相关的反移情体验可能具有挑战性，但对治疗师反应的认识和有效管理可以有益于治疗并促进个人成长。