Professional practice
New Guideline for Schema Therapy Intervision
Why it may matter
The guideline might strengthen collaboration and knowledge sharing in intervision groups, thus enhancing schema therapy practice.
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Research, professional developments and initiatives — selected, put into context and linked to the original source.
Why it may matter
The guideline might strengthen collaboration and knowledge sharing in intervision groups, thus enhancing schema therapy practice.
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The Association for Schema Therapy (VSt) is offering subsidies up to €30,000 starting in 2026 for research aimed at improving or innovating schema therapy applications. These funds target small-scale studies on (cost-)effectiveness or specific mechanism applications. Applications for funding can be submitted until the end of December 2026.
With the growth of the International Society for Schema Therapy (ISST), there is a recognized need to adapt governance processes due to increasing complexity. An independent taskforce provided recommendations on policy processes, which have been presented to ISST members.
There is an ongoing debate in schema therapy regarding the traditional model of five core needs. New research suggests these needs could be more accurately clustered into four broader domains, while a working group proposes adding two new needs. This debate impacts schema classification and might affect therapeutic practices.
A new version of the Schema Mode Inventory (SMI) is being developed to include all new modes of the schema therapy model. The validation study is conducted in 30 countries to create a culturally sensitive and multilingual tool. Researchers from Belgium, such as Freideriki Carmen Mamali, Eva Dierckx, and Els Pauwels, are involved.
The discussion in schema therapy focuses on whether simplifying the handling of modes is beneficial. The authors suggest utilizing larger categories of modes rather than creating one for every specific presentation. A simple categorization can serve as a map, while more specific modes may be used for detailed clinical analysis.
Michiel van Vreeswijk, science and research coordinator for ISST, discusses his experiences on the ISST board. He highlights the need for improved professionalization in complaint handling, decision-making processes, and governance. Van Vreeswijk talks about challenges in changing old patterns within the organization and stresses the importance of openness, connection, and a healthy organizational culture.
The data collection in Belgium for the YSQ-4 and the new SMI has been extended until the end of June 2026. More participation is needed to reach the desired sample size.
A discourse in schema therapy considers incorporating new parental modes like Warning Parent and Boundless Parent. While the Warning Parent may be functionally distinct and therapeutically useful, the value of the Boundless Parent is debated. Some professionals argue that new modes offer real value only when clearly distinguishable from existing ones and when they provide therapeutic benefits.
The 'Child Adolescent Schematherapy' committee of the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST) has fully revised the Case Conceptualization Form for Youth and the Competencies Scale for therapists. The translated versions are now available on the ISST website. These forms are mandatory for therapists seeking registration in the Child Adolescent subregister.
The Vereniging voor Schematherapie awarded a subsidy for research exploring mode interactions between partners dealing with anxiety and compulsive disorders. Conducted from 2026 to 2029, the study investigates predictable patterns in partner interactions, relating to specific complaints or more general relationship issues. Thirty couples will participate, with one partner undergoing treatment. This could guide schema therapy interventions.