"Schemas versus modes: is it really a contest?"

Moderator: Wendy Behary

Presenters: Jeff Young, Joan Farrell, David Bernstein, Jeff Conway and Cathy Flanagan

We know that from its inception the concept of the Schema, a deeply entrenched pattern that is experienced cognitively, emotionally, and somatically, has been central to the Schema Therapy Model.  But as the Model has evolved, the status of the Early Maladaptive Schema has changed, and some would suggest, diminished, as Mode work has become a more dominant aspect of Schema Therapy.  This panel discussion will consider the history of the model and the Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS), as well as the development of Modes and the interaction of EMS and Modes.  It is widely believed and accepted in the Schema Therapy Community that Modes have become the best way to understand and treat someone with a characterological disorder.  In fact, Mode work has promoted meaningful breakthroughs with very challenging cases.  But it has left some to wonder about the value and usefulness of EMS in the treatment room.  The question remains: Is it therefore still necessary to consider the Schemas when treating someone, or in fact, have Schemas become "out-Moded"?  This panel intends to grapple with this question.  One side of the debate contends that EMS remain an essential part of the therapeutic collaboration for schema healing.  The other side of the debate will contend that EMS are not as essential as they once were and therefore should be limited to the assessment phase, while the most important work lies in identifying and addressing Mode shifts and Mode adaptations.