1. Abandoned Child
2. Angry and Impulsive Child
3. Punitive Parent
4. Detached Protector 
5. Healthy Adult


New York University

Schema-focused therapy identifies five major modes BPD patients frequently exhibit when reacting to the external world; this therapy aims to foster the growth and strength of one mode named 'healthy adult' to exert over the rest of the four less constructive modes. 

Schema-focused Therapy for BPD

Young, J. E., Klosko, J. S., & Weishaar, M. E. (2006). Schema therapy: A practitioner's guide. Guilford Press.

Schema-focused Therapy

5 Major Schema Modes in BPD Patients

1. Experiential imagery 
2. Gestalt "two-chair" method
3. Limited reparenting
4. Cognitive restructuring
5. Behavioral pattern-breaking
6. Assertiveness training
7. Self-nurturing pleasurable activities
8. Cognitive coping techniques (e.g., flash cards, the schema diary)
9. Self-soothing skills (e.g., mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, safe-place imagery, positive suggestions)
10. Role-plays

Psychological Techniques used in Schema-focused Therapy

1. Therapist-patient bonding and emotion regulation
2. Change maladaptive schema modes 
3. Reclaim autonomy

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