A core component of Schema Coaching for Educators is to bridge the gap between Schema Therapy and day-to-day-parenting and therapeutic pedagogy (e.g. caregivers, social workers, etc.)
The main goals of Coaching for Educators are …
- the education of parents whose children are being treated using schematherapeutic methods in order to inform them about this form of therapy, and
- training of pedagogues, teachers, and other caregivers, building up a professional frame that allows to guide children according to the background of schema therapy (see below)
Schematherapist who work with children have to involve caregivers (as much as possible) since the methods of the therapy are much more effective and lasting if the content is spread on many shoulders. The termini used should be understood from all important persons the child deals with.
Useful knowledge for caregivers includes information concerning …
- the basic needs of children,
- the most important early maladaptive schemas (EMS), including coping styles (surrender, avoidance, overcompensation), and
- the 4 main types of modes (child-, demanding/punishing-, immature- and clever-modes) including coping modes.
It is of great use for caregivers to know about their own schemas in order to be able to react appropriately when their child shows problematic behavior (avoidance of schema collusion). The concept of ”limited reparenting“ only works if the caregiver is able to distinguish between the own (unsatisfied) needs and those of the child. Therefore, it is very helpful if a parent is aware of own schemas, e.g. through participation in a self-awareness group).