ABSTRACT
The chapter discusses therapists’ common schemas and modes and the ways they may hinder the therapy process, relationship and outcome if they remain unacknowledged and untreated. The Detached Protector, for example, can prevent a therapist from being in touch with their own pain and, at the same time, it may not ‘allow’ the patient’s pain to surface and heal. Therapists’ schemas and modes are often manifested in training and supervision with similar effect. Illustrations based on the authors’ experience as therapists, trainers and supervisors are used to demonstrate potential problems that may arise in the therapy process. The chapter also explores the impact of cultural issues and adverse life circumstances on therapists’ schemas and modes. Using specific examples drawn from the authors’ cultural backgrounds, the challenge of sameness of cultural influences and life circumstances for the therapeutic dyad is explored. Therapist self-care focuses on enhancing awareness of existing patterns and their impact on the self and the therapy relationship. Ways of healing maladaptive patterns so that the therapists’ needs are better met are discussed. Specific suggestions about strategies that therapists can employ are proposed.
