Iain McCormick

Schema coaching: Mindful mode methods

Abstract

Coaching psychology is at the forefront of coaching partly because it has successfully adapted evidence-based therapeutic approaches from other fields and applied these to the high functioning members of the coaching population. An example of this is schema coaching which has been developed from schema therapy. In this approach early maladaptive schema are defined as long-standing unhelpful patterns of memories, sensations and emotions resulting from unmet childhood needs. By contrast, schema modes are the current emotional, cognitive and behavioural mood states that a person experiences in response to their early maladaptive schema. This paper provides an introduction to understanding schema modes and a range of methods for mode modification and the development of more functional thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

Image by Seidenperle from Pixabay

What is Schema Coaching by Iain McCormick PhD

Schema coaching is a recently developed area of practice which uses the methods and techniques of schema therapy to assist team members in the workforce to deal with persistent personal difficulties. It is the topic of my book Schema Coaching: Overcoming Deep-seated Challenges.

Schema therapy was developed by Jeffery Young and colleagues (2003) and integrates a range of techniques from existing therapies and theories, including cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, attachment theory and gestalt therapy.

In this context, a schema is an organised persistent pattern of thought and behaviour that is self-defeating or dysfunctional. The schema develops during childhood or adolescence and can impact an individual throughout his or her life. For example, clients suffering from the unrelenting striving schema have a very strong belief that they must constantly work to meet very high internalised performance standards to avoid criticism. This schema frequently results in feelings of being pressured and unable to slow down, combined with exaggerated criticism of themself and others.

The goal of both schema therapy and coaching is to help clients get their core needs met in an adaptive manner through changing their maladaptive schemas.

For further information contact Dr Iain McCormick

http://nz.linkedin.com/in/iainmccormick

Schema Coaching Techniques, Part 4 Schema Challenge Cards and Mindful Release

McCormick, I. A. (2025). Schema Coaching Techniques, Part 4: Schema Challenge Cards and Mindful Release The Coaching Psychologist 20(3):92-97.

Contact the author for a copy or download by clicking on the image.

http://nz.linkedin.com/in/iainmccormick

Schema Coaching Techniques, part 3: Imagery rescripting and chairwork

McCormick, I. A. (2024). Schema Coaching Techniques, Part 3: Imagery rescripting and chairwork. The Coaching Psychologist, Vol. 20, No. 2, 6-13.

A qualitative study of client experiences using imagery rescripting during schema coaching

McCormick, I. (2024). A qualitative study of client experiences using imagery rescripting during schema coaching. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching & Mentoring, 22(2). 257-270. DOI: 10.24384/DV9Z-XG82

Assessing the effectiveness of group based reflective practice for coaches

McCormick, I. A. (2024). Assessing the effectiveness of group based reflective practice for coaches. International Journal of Evidence Based Mentoring and Coaching, 22(2) 257-270.

Case Conceptualisation using Schema Coaching Analysis: An Illustrative Case Study.

McCormick, I. A. (2023). Case Conceptualisation using Schema Coaching Analysis: An Illustrative Case Study. Coaching Psychology International, 16(9), 1-7.

Contact the author for a copy

Schema coaching techniques part 2: Schema case conceptualisation and psychoeducation

McCormick, I. A. (2023). Schema Coaching Techniques, part 2: Schema Case Conceptualisation and Psychoeducation. The Coaching Psychologist, 19(2), 4-12.

An introduction to schema coaching techniques, part 1: The schema octagon.

McCormick, I. A. (2023). An introduction to schema coaching techniques, part 1: The schema octagon. The Coaching Psychologist, 19(1), 26-32.

The relevance of Satir Family Therapy techniques to coaching psychology

McCormick, I. (2022). The relevance of Satir Family Therapy techniques to coaching psychology. Coaching Psychology International, 15, 1, 6-14.

Schema Coaching: Theory, research and practice

McCormick, I. A. (2022). Schema Coaching: Theory, research and practice. In Passmore, J & Leach, S (eds), Third Wave Cognitive Behavioural Coaching: Contextual, Behavioural and Neuroscience Approaches for Evidence-based Coaches. Pavilion Publishing and Media Ltd, Shoreham-by-Sea.

Next level professional development for coaches: Self-practice self-reflection

McCormick, I. (2021). Next level professional development for coaches: Self-practice self- reflection. Coaching Psychology International, 14, 1, 16-26.