Schema Therapy in Nashville
Schema Therapy is a Specialized Approach for Healing Complex Trauma and Lifelong Patterns
If you’ve tried other types of therapy and still feel stuck in the same painful patterns, Schema Therapy may be the missing piece. At Heal Complex Trauma in Nashville, we specialize in helping individuals, couples, and families heal the deep wounds that often begin in childhood. Schema Therapy is a powerful, research-based approach that goes beyond symptom management to target the root causes of emotional pain.
What Is Schema Therapy?
Schema Therapy was developed by Dr. Jeffrey Young as an extension of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). He realized that while CBT helps with thoughts and coping skills, many people continued to feel stuck because deeper emotional needs and early relationships had not been addressed. Schema Therapy helps identify and heal the core emotional patterns that began in childhood, often showing up as self-doubt, people-pleasing, perfectionism, emotional disconnection, or difficulty trusting others.
These schemas may show up as thoughts like:
• “I’ll always be abandoned.”
• “I’m unlovable.”
• “I can’t trust anyone.”
• “I have to be perfect to be accepted.”
Left unaddressed, schemas can drive lifelong struggles with relationships, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or complex trauma. Schema Therapy works by helping you recognize these patterns, understand where they came from, and replace them with healthier, more life-giving ways of relating to yourself and others.
Who Can Benefit From Schema Therapy?
Schema Therapy is widely known for its effectiveness in treating personality disorders. In addition, studies show it is effective for:
Complex PTSD (CPTSD) and developmental trauma
Chronic Depression
PTSD especially when it intersects with personality patterns
Anxiety Disorders
Eating Disorders
Schema Therapy continues to show strong outcomes for trauma-related conditions and emotional dysregulation rooted in early attachment wounds.*
*Renner, F. et al. (2013). Behaviour Research and Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2013.02.004
What to Expect in Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy helps untangle the painful beliefs formed in unsafe or neglectful childhood environments, giving you tools to feel safe, whole, and connected. It provides a structured way to address the layers of abandonment, mistrust, and shame that often accompany complex trauma.
Sessions include:
Identifying schemas through conversations, questionnaires, and patterns in your life
Identifying modes which is how you cope with your schemas
Imagery rescripting and experiential exercises to “rewrite” the emotional memory of childhood experiences
Parts work to understand and care for the vulnerable parts of yourself
Practical tools for healthier coping and stronger relationships
Therapy is paced gently and collaboratively, always tailored to your comfort level and readiness.
Are you ready to try Schema Therapy?
If you are seeking Schema Therapy for complex trauma in Nashville, reach out to schedule a consultation and learn how this approach can support deeper healing and lasting change.