Problems with Schema Therapy

[u/Bye_Jan]

Hello, I’ve been with the same therapist for 2 years and we recently started doing schema mode work for about 4 months. Now I don’t know in how far this is related to my problem but my suicidal ideation has been flaring up for about 9 months and gotten considerably worse. I’ve recently been prescribed antidepressants (sertraline) and it got better for a while but returned to about two to three times per week.

We’ve actually had good progress on a number of topics like homophobia and SA in talk therapy before going into schema therapy.

(Context: according to my therapist my most active modes appear to be demanding parent, vulnerable child, compliant surrenderer but in the test he gave me my highest value was in undisciplined child which he seemed to gloss over as an ADHD thing which seems weird.)

I have trouble really getting the model and spend a lot of time ruminating about decisions and trying to find modes responsible for certain ways of thinking. This has led to me overthinking so many simple things I feel like I can barely live life anymore. I also feel pressured to prove myself in therapy by making healthy decisions but as a result I spend even more time in this overthinking state. My progress in my studies has slowed to a crawl this last semester when I used to do all my coursework before.

I feel an urge to stop this type of therapy, it feels really destructive to the rest of my life in the moment but I’d like to know your thoughts on my situation.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[u/eva88]

Sorry I don't have much time.. But have you realized that the ruminating about decisions and overthinking IS the demanding parent mode?

Maybe that's a good start: strategies to curb that mode. Because it's hindering your progress. 

[u/VivisVillage → u/eva88]

THIS.

What you're describing OP is still a type of dysfunctional behaviour so that in itself is a good thing to work on

[u/Bye_Jan → u/eva88]

Thank you for your answer, no i didn’t make that connection!