Keynote: 35 Years of the Schema Therapy Model of Jeffrey Young
Sustaining the Integrity of the Core Model
Founded by Dr. Jeffrey Young, Schema Therapy has, over the past several decades, grown from a synthesis of cognitive-behavioral, attachment, psychodynamic, and gestalt traditions into a robust, empirically supported treatment for individuals with chronic psychological difficulties.
At the heart of this comprehensively crafted approach to treatment is a foundation, much like a finely constructed building; one that must be preserved and respected if the therapy is to reach its full transformative potential. As schema therapy continues to evolve and adapt to diverse populations and new clinical challenges, the imperative to sustain the integrity of its core model becomes ever more critical.
The popularity of schema therapy has led to its widespread adoption and adaptation. Clinicians from diverse theoretical backgrounds, working in various cultural and institutional contexts, may seek to, at times, modify or streamline the model to fit practical realities, and this is understandable and widely accepted as part of the flexibility of the model with regards to cultural and community sensitivity.
While innovation and integration are an essential part of clinical progress in schema therapy, it can also bring the risk of dilution or too much complexity, not supported by the research. Central concepts—such as the identification and transformation of schemas, the use of imagery and mode work, a focus on identifying early unmet needs and correcting biased emotional experiences, and the therapy relationship—are all part of the distinctive effectiveness of Schema Therapy. We celebrate the legacy of Dr. Jeffrey Young and take a peek into the evolution of Schema Therapy, this thoughtful and powerfully effective approach for some of the most challenging cases in the treatment room.
Speaker
Wendy BeharyClick for moreWith 30 years of professional experience and advanced level certifications, Wendy Behary is the founder and director of The Cognitive Therapy Center of New Jersey and The Schema Therapy Institutes of NJ-NYC-DC. She has been treating clients, training professionals and supervising psychotherapists for more than 20 years. Wendy was on the faculty of the Cognitive Therapy Center and Schema Therapy Institute of New York (until the Institutes merged in 2012), where she trained and worked with Dr. Jeffrey Young since 1989. She is a founding fellow and consulting supervisor for The Academy of Cognitive Therapy (Aaron T. Beck’s Institute). Wendy served as the President of the Executive Board of the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST) from 2010-2014 and served as the Training and Certification Coordinator for the ISST Executive Board from 2008-2010. She is currently the chair of the Schema Therapy Development Programs Sub-Committee for the ISST.
Wendy Behary has co-authored several chapters and articles on Schema Therapy and Cognitive Therapy. She is the author of an international bestselling book, “Disarming the Narcissist…” translated in 16 languages. The Third Edition was recently released and was selected by Oprah Daily as one of the top books on the subject of Narcissism. Wendy has a specialty in treating narcissists and the people who live with and deal with them. As an author and subject matter expert on narcissism, she is a contributing chapter author of several chapters on schema therapy for narcissism for professional readers. She lectures both nationally and internationally to professional and general audiences on schema therapy, narcissism, interpersonal relationships, anger, and dealing with difficult people. She receives consistent high praise for her clear and articulate teaching style and her ability to bring the therapy to life through dramatic demonstrations of client interactions in the treatment room.
Her work industry business speaking engagements focus on interpersonal conflict resolution. Her private practice is primarily devoted to treating narcissists, partners/people dealing with them, and couples experiencing relationship problems.Publications:
Behary, W. T., Farrell, J. M., Vaz, A., Rousmaniere, T., Deliberate Practice in Schema Therapy (Essentials of Deliberate Practice), American Psychological Association; 1st edition (February 28, 2023).
Heath, G., Startup, H., Schema Therapy: Advances and Innovation in Clinical Practice, Chapter Author, Behary, W., Empathic Confrontation and Limit Setting, Routledge Press, London, (2020).
Beck, A.T., Davis D., and Freeman, A., Third Edition, Cognitive Therapy of Personality Disorders, Chapter Author, Behary, W., and Davis, D., Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Guilford Press (October 2014).
Behary, W., Disarming the Narcissist…, New Harbinger Publications (Third Edition, October 1, 2021).
Behary, W., Article: “Challenging the Narcissist, How to Find Pathways to Empathy”, Psychotherapy Networker, (July/August 2013).
Ogrodniczuk, J., Treating Pathological Narcissism, Chapter Author, Behary, W., The Art of Adaptive Re-Parenting in the Treatment of Narcissism, APA Publications, (2013).
Van Vreeswijk, M., The Handbook of Schema Therapy, Chapter Author, Behary, W., Schema Therapy for Narcissism, Wiley Publications, (2012).
Campbell, W.K., and Miller, J.D., The Handbook of Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Chapter Author, Schema Therapy for Narcissism, Wiley Publications, (2011).
Dieckmann, E., and Behary, W., Journal Article: German Publication: Schematherapie: Ein Ansatz zur Behandlung narzisstischer Persönlichkeitsstörungen, Translation: Pattern Therapy: A Beginning for the Treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disturbances, 2010.
Behary, W., Article: The Way to Say It… Taking on Some of the Most Challenging Moments in the Treatment Room, In Consultation, Psychotherapy Networker, May/June 2010
Behary, W., Disarming The Narcissist…Surviving and Thriving With The Self- Absorbed, New Harbinger Publications, (First Edition, 2008).
Behary, W., Article: The Art of Empathic Confrontation, Case Studies, The Psychotherapy Networker, (March/April edition, 2008).
Shapiro, F., EMDR, An Integrative Psychotherapy Approach, Chapter Author, Zangwill, W., Young, J., and Behary, W., Integrating Schema Therapy with EMDR, American Psychological Association, (2002).
Tarrier, Wells, and Haddock, Treating Complex Cases, Chapter Author, Young, J., and Behary, W., Schema Focused Therapy for Personality Disorders, Wiley Series in Clinical Psychology, (1998).
