Time-limited Schema Therapy for Complex Axis I Presentations 

29-30th January, 2026 (online)
(9.30am - 4.30pm UK time)

Dr Helen Startup and Janis Briedis, Consultant Psychologists

This workshop presents a time-limited schema therapy model for the conceptualization and treatment of clients presenting with complex Axis 1 presentations, such as chronic depression, entrenched GAD, OCD, social and health anxiety, as well as cases where no one clear diagnosis can be identified. The workshop is suitable for psychologists and CBT therapists (or those from allied modalities) wishing to augment time limited work where presentations are complicated by relational difficulties, mode shifting, ‘therapy interfering behaviors’ and/or entrenched/stuck patterns. 

The workshop will help you to:

(1) identify developmental unmet needs, entrenched schemas and coping styles, in order to build a transdiagnostic mode formulation

(2) identify priorities when using a Schema Therapy model within a time-limited framework – balancing cognitive and experiential interventions

(3) integrate and adapt the change techniques of chair work, imagery rescripting and empathic confrontation to tackle specific schemas and modes

(4) draw on a limited reparenting stance to strengthen collaboration and alliance within the therapeutic relationship

(5) learn to be guided by the concept of the ‘Window of Tolerance’ in deciding when and how to integrate experiential techniques in a safe and effective way

(6) ultimately support clients to bolster and be guided by their Healthy Adult mode.

The two days are highly experiential with NEW video demonstrations, as well as opportunities to practice across the two days. Attendees will be encouraged to bring case material for formulation and treatment planning to bring to life all aspects of these ways of working.

Training costs and to book

£290 for a two-day online workshop.

Payment may be made by card or bank transfer. Please email us if your employer requires an invoice and/or if you wish to pay by bank transfer. 

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Workshops

Module 1: Schema Therapy Foundations:
Theory and Core Skills (intensive)


16-18th January, 2026 (in person - Charney Manor)
8-10th May, 2026 (online)

Dr Helen Startup & Janis Briedis, Consultant Psychologists

Module 1 overview

This 3-day workshop covers core schema therapy assessment and treatment skills and includes: schema therapy assessment, conceptualization, transdiagnostic treatment approach for complex and enduring mental health difficulties and personality disorders, including borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Topics covered in Module 1:

1. Assessment of schemas and modes, use of psychometrics and imagery in assessment.
2. Case formulation: identification of schemas and modes, the process of mode mapping, and developing treatment goals. The main emphasis of Module 1 will be on conceptualising transdiagnostically with a particular focus on borderline personality disorder (BPD) to convey a theoretical grounding in the schema therapy model.
3. Therapeutic relationship: limited reparenting, empathic confrontation, setting of boundaries and awareness of therapist’s own schemas and modes. Module 1 incorporates a significant self–reflection component. At the outset, trainees will be asked to complete a schema questionnaire. The training will explore the interplay between clients’ and therapists’ schemas and modes, and the potential for schema chemistry in the therapeutic relationship.
4. Imagery techniques including working with childhood memories and linking these to current emotional states or mode activation in imagery; incorporation of therapist nurturance in imagery; working with the vulnerable or angry child modes, strengthening the healthy adult mode.
5. Chair work and role-play techniques: Use of chair work and role play to identify schemas/modes, to enhance meta-awareness of schema/mode relationships and to promote schema/mode change. These include limit setting in relation to the angry child mode and confronting punitive/demanding modes, bypassing detached protector and other coping modes.
6. Cognitive techniques: identification and integration of relevant cognitive techniques into schema work, e.g. schema/mode diaries, pros and cons of schemas, schema dialogue, flashcards etc.
7. Body-focussed techniques to complement the standard experiential techniques – somatic resourcing, enhancing imagery and chair work using body-focussed strategies.
8. Behavioural pattern breaking: use of behavioural changes following on from schema and mode work.
9. Homework assignments: setting relevant homework directly related to the session content.

Training costs and to book 

A stand-alone 3-day module costs £550 (tuition fee) + £445.00 (IN PERSON - two nights accommodation and full board - Charney Manor). 

£550 tuition fee for ONLINE workshop. 

Payment for the tuition may be made by card or bank transfer. Please email us if your employer requires an invoice and/or if you wish to pay by bank transfer. 

For further details on accreditation training costs please click here.

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Module 2: Advanced Schema Therapy Skills for Complex Cases (intensive)


20-22nd March, 2026 (in person - Charney Manor)
3-5th July, 2026 (online)

Janis Briedis & Dr Helen Startup, Consultant Psychologists

Module 2 overview

This 3-day workshop expands and deepens knowledge acquired in Module 1 and looks at the application of core schema therapy theory and techniques with specific complex presentations.

Topics covered in Module 2:

1. Schema therapy for narcissism – formulation in terms of schemas and modes, distinguishing between different narcissistic presentations, building an alliance with these clients, overcoming obstacles to treatment.
2. Schema therapy with cluster C personality disorders.  Including: avoidant, obsessive-compulsive and dependent personality disorders - formulation in terms of schemas and modes, working with resistance, avoidance and rigidity and working with a guilt inducing critic mode, plus adapting imagery and chair work for this Cluster C population.
3. Schema therapy with forensic populations – discussion of forensic modes, distinguishing between different types of anger and working constructively with anger, using body-focussed techniques to facilitate the development of an internal sense of safety.
4. Adapting schema therapy to work with complex Axis I presentations, or clients with significant difficulties who do not meet criteria for a personality disorder, such as: eating disorder, OCD, chronic PTSD or depression – formulation in terms of schemas and modes, plus the adaptation of cognitive, imagery and chair techniques.
5. Time-limited schema therapy – adapting schema therapy for working in short and medium term timeframes.  Combining aspects of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), compassion focussed therapy (CFT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and schema therapy. Gauging a safe relational depth of work, managing endings.
6. Supervision and further learning as a schema therapist.

Training costs and to book

A stand-alone 3-day module costs £550 (tuition fee) + £445.00 (IN PERSON - two nights accommodation and full board - Charney Manor). 

£550 tuition fee for ONLINE workshop. 

Payment for tuition may be made by card or bank transfer. Please email us if your employer requires an invoice and/or if you wish to pay by bank transfer.

For further details on accreditation training costs please click here.

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Training Costs

STANDARD ACCREDITATION

Two workshop blocks (6 training days in total): £1100.
(Additonal £445.00 accommodation & full board cost applies to in person trainings.)

20 (minimum) supervision sessions at approximately £110 per 50-60 minute session: £2200*.

Ratings of 3 (minimum) session recordings (2 by your clinical supervisor and 1 by the independent rater) at approx. £150 per recording: £450**.

Approximate total for online training: £4,195.

To apply for standard accreditation please click here.

ADVANCED ACCREDITATION

Two workshop blocks (6 training days in total): £1100. 
(Additonal £445.00 accommodation & full board cost applies to in person trainings.)

40 (minimum) supervision sessions at £110 per 50-60 minute session: £4400*.

Rating of 6 (minimum) session recordings (4 by your supervisor and 2 by independent raters) at approx. £150 per recording: £900**.

Approximate total for online training: £6,845.

To apply for advanced accreditation please click here.

STAND-ALONE ONLINE WORKSHOPS

One-day online specialist workshops cost £160. 

Two-day online specialist workshops cost £290 (in-person £325).  

To book a place on one of our workshops please click here.

It is possible to attend the 6-day training as part of the accreditation package or to attend Module 1 and Module 2 as stand-alone workshops.

Each stand-alone 3-day module (Module 1 and Module 2) costs £550.00. Modules can be booked separately or as a part of the accreditation programme. However, Module 2 can only be booked if Module 1 or an equivalent has already been completed. 

* Payments are made directly to the supervisor or independent rater
** In addition, you will need to become a member of the ISST which currently costs EUR100 for annual membership (in 2022)