Level 1 Schema Therapy for Couples and Relationships Curriculum
The training will be held live via Zoom for the following five Wednesdays across September and October (2024) (Approx 3 hours of teaching and exercises per session - includes a small 15-min break).
Session 1 - 4th September (2024), 5.30pm - 8.45pm AEST (Sydney/ Melbourne), which is 3.30pm-6.45pm (Perth/ Singapore/ HK) and 7.30am-10.45am (CET, Central European Time).
Session 2 - 11th September (2024), 5.30pm - 8.45pm AEST (Sydney/ Melbourne), which is 3.30pm-6.45pm (Perth/ Singapore/ HK) and 7.30am-10.45am (CET, Central European Time).
Session 3 - 18th September (2024), 5.30pm - 8.45pm AEST (Sydney/ Melbourne), which is 3.30pm-6.45pm (Perth/ Singapore/ HK) and 7.30am-10.45am (CET, Central European Time).
Session 4 - 25th September (2024), 5.30pm - 8.45pm AEST (Sydney/ Melbourne), which is 3.30pm-6.45pm (Perth/ Singapore/ HK) and 7.30am-10.45am (CET, Central European Time).
Session 5 - 9th October (2024), 5.30pm - 8.45pm AEST (Sydney/ Melbourne), which is 3.30pm-6.45pm (Perth/ Singapore/ HK) and 7.30am-10.45am (CET, Central European Time).
Content
The ST-C-Modules covered across Level 1 and Level 2 training are (approx. half the content is covered in this Level 1 training with the remainder covered in the Level 2):
SCT-Module 1 - Explaining the simplified "two leg" model
STC Module 2 - Introducing the Mode Cycle Clashcard
STC Module 3 - Stopping mode clashes
STC Module 4 - Re-balancing after "time-out“
STC Module 5 - Accessing the vulnerable side
STC Module 6 - Honeymoon imagery
STC module 7 - Accessing the assertive side
STC Module 8 - Empowerment imagery exercise
STC Module 9 - Reconnecting through conjoint imagery
STC Module 10 - Training the healthy adult mode
STC Module 11 - Connection dialogue
STC Module 12 - Homework assignments
STC Module 13 - Preparing a separation
About this training: The schema therapy model describes how unmet core needs lead to maladaptive schemas and coping behavior. Unfortunately, schema chemistry plays an important role when we choose our partners. So we often find ourselves in the same complementary roles that we got used to in childhood and fight the former significant others in our partners by mutually “pushing our buttons” in escalating mode cycles.
Besides working with couples from the very beginning, we can also start working with one partner and include the other partner later to a smaller or greater extend. Including the partner starts with thinking about him or her in therapy. The curriculum addresses both: Starting with one partner and including the other or starting with the couple right away. The approach focusses on the in-session presentation of the mode cycles. It is based on a module system serving as handrails guiding the therapist through the course of therapy.
This training adapts the schema therapy model on interpersonal mode cycles, describes and trains the steps to get out of them by stopping the cycles, shift into a healthy adult mode, re-balance the basic needs, reconnect emotionally in imagery, and initiate a constructive communication style in demonstrations and dyadic role-play. This will enable the participants to start working with dysfunctional interpersonal patterns in various settings.
Core Readings:
Simeone-DiFrancesco, C., Roediger, E., Stevens, B. (2015). Healing Relationships: Schema Therapy for Couples, Oxford, UK: Wiley-Blackwell.
Roediger, E. (2019) The Couples-ST Module System.
ISST Certification:
This Level 1 training in combination with the Level 2 Training (Level 2 will be offered first half of 2025) covers all of the training modules according to the training guidelines for certification in Schema therapy for Couples (ST-C) by the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST).
The training is live and can be used for accreditation in Schema Therapy for Couples (ST-C). The training is the initial workshop (of 2). The training is the coursework component of accreditation (supervision and tape rating are separate).
Prerequisites for those seeking ISST Certification:
All participants must be eligible for ISST certification according to the ISST-Statutes. I.e. they must have an academic degree (e.g. MA) in medicine, psychology or social counseling enabling them to work independently as psychotherapists according to their own national guidelines.
For more information regarding accreditation requirements
Presenter:
Eckhard Roediger (MD), born 1959, neurologist, psychiatrist and psychotherapist. Trained in psychodynamic and cognitive-behavior therapy. Formerly Director of a Psychosomatic Department of a clinic in Berlin (GER), since 2007 working in Private Practice and Director of the Schema Therapy Training Center in Frankfurt (GER). Member of the ISST Board since 2008, past-President and now honorary member.
The training will also feature practical demonstrations through picture and video material or live demonstrations and supervised skills practice.
Who is this training for? This training is suitable for a range of professionals who practice psychotherapy, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other professions with psychotherapy training, according to legislation or rules in their country.
Places are limited to 20 therapists per trainer to aid in the facilitation and feedback in role plays.
Training Outline
Dr Eckhard Roediger (M.D.) - Frankfurt Germany
(Past President of the ISST)
ISST Accredited Supervisor and Trainer in the Couples Model
Eckhard Roediger, MD is considered a pioneer in the world of Schema Therapy. He is one of the founding members of the ISST and the first German Schema Therapist to establish a Schema Therapy Training Program in Germany. He is also a Trainer in schema therapy for couples and has authored numerous scientific books and articles related to schema therapy practice.
Eckhard has played a leading role in the development of the schema therapy for couples model. He founded the Couples therapy special interest group and served on the ISST committee that developed the criteria for training in this area. He is co-author of the first clinician's book on schema therapy for couples (DiFrancesco, Roediger, & Stevens, 2015) and of a schema therapy self-help book for couples (Stevens & Roediger, 2017).
