Schema Therapy Institute Australia

Schema Therapy Institute Australia �
Schema Therapy Institute Australia is dedicated to helping clients with their goals and achieving well-being.

Schema Therapy Institute specializes in intensive Schema based therapy training, treatment and research.

Interested in joining our growing team?Registrars at STIA appreciate the independence, clinical variety, and professiona...
06/07/2025

Interested in joining our growing team?

Registrars at STIA appreciate the independence, clinical variety, and professional development opportunities 🧠💛

Send expressions of interest to admin@stia.com.au

Mode Spotlight: Hopeless SurrendererIn Schema Therapy, modes are the moment-to-moment emotional states and coping respon...
02/07/2025

Mode Spotlight: Hopeless Surrenderer

In Schema Therapy, modes are the moment-to-moment emotional states and coping responses we experience. Today, we are focusing on the Hopeless Surrenderer mode.

The Hopeless Surrenderer mode shows up when we emotionally give up and disconnect from our needs and desires. In this mode, we may feel broken, unworthy, or fundamentally flawed. We withdraw from life, avoid challenge, and lose sight of hope or possibility. This often stems from early experiences where we were made to feel like our needs didn’t matter—or that nothing we did was ever good enough. Over time, we learned to surrender to painful beliefs like “I’ll never change,” “No one could ever love me,” or “What’s the point in trying?”

While this mode tries to protect us from further rejection, criticism, or failure, it also reinforces deep shame and stuckness. We might isolate, stop setting goals, or drift through life without direction—believing we don’t deserve more.

So, what can we do instead? The Healthy Adult mode offers gentle validation and realistic hope. It helps us notice when we’re slipping into hopelessness and reminds us that change is possible—even if it’s slow. Small acts of self-care, meaningful connection, and compassionate self-talk can begin to challenge the belief that we’re too damaged to grow. Healing begins when we stop abandoning ourselves and start showing up with kindness.

Interested in learning more about this mode? Check out our 7-minute schema video about the Hopeless Surrenderer mode:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1s8SPNtMw4

Wisemind ACCEPTS - a DBT crisis skillDistraction is often seen as a method to disconnect from painful emotions and it ca...
24/06/2025

Wisemind ACCEPTS - a DBT crisis skill

Distraction is often seen as a method to disconnect from painful emotions and it can easily turn into a form of avoidance. One TV episode meant to take our mind off things can easily turn into a whole season. However, there are times when distraction can be a useful tool to help with emotion regulation.

When can distraction be useful?
When we are in a crisis, distraction can help us avoid dangerous behaviours. This skill is meant to help us escape our present distressing situation for a moment, so that we can return to it with a better mindset (when we're back in ‘wise mind’ or our healthy adult mode). Taking a moment to distract ourselves can kick us out of a difficult emotional state or urge to engage in an unhelpful form of coping. Distraction is a helpful tool 1. When emotional pain is on the verge of becoming overwhelming and 2. When problems can’t be solved immediately. However, it is important that once we have moved through the ‘crisis’, we return to address the situation.

There are seven sets of distracting skills, today we are focusing on Sensations ✨

When emotions feel intense and hard to manage, using strong physical sensations can jolt us out of a difficult emotional state. Sensory distraction works by engaging the body’s senses, which helps to interrupt spiralling thoughts or urges and help us reconnect with the present moment. Examples include: Holding an ice cube in your hand; eating something intensely sour, spicy, or minty; Taking a cold or hot shower; Running your hand under cold water; Smelling something strong like peppermint or citrus oil.

These strong sensations can ground us, giving our minds a moment to shift gears. Using the Sensations skill is about stepping back just long enough to avoid reacting impulsively—so we can return to the situation later with more clarity, calm, and connection to our wise mind.

Next time you’re caught in emotional overwhelm, try a sensation-based distraction and notice how it shifts your emotional state. 💛

🧠✨ A huge thank you to everyone who joined our recent Schema Therapy for BPD/Complex Trauma: Certification Workshop 2! I...
11/06/2025

🧠✨ A huge thank you to everyone who joined our recent Schema Therapy for BPD/Complex Trauma: Certification Workshop 2! It was an energising day of learning, connection, and skill-building—led by the dynamic duo: Dr Rita Younan and Ruth Holt.

Missed out? Don’t worry—more workshops are on the way. See our website for upcoming training.

🧠✨ A huge thank you to everyone who joined our recent Schema Therapy for BPD/Complex Trauma: Certification Workshop 2! I...
11/06/2025

🧠✨ A huge thank you to everyone who joined our recent Schema Therapy for BPD/Complex Trauma: Certification Workshop 2! It was an energising day of learning, connection, and skill-building—led by the dynamic duo: Dr Rita Younan and Ruth Holt.

Missed out? Don’t worry—more workshops are on the way. Check out our website for upcoming training!

Mode Spotlight: Undisciplined ChildIn Schema Therapy, modes are the moment-to-moment emotional states and coping respons...
03/06/2025

Mode Spotlight: Undisciplined Child

In Schema Therapy, modes are the moment-to-moment emotional states and coping responses we experience. Today, we are focusing on the Undisciplined Child mode.

The Undisciplined Child mode shows up when we struggle to tolerate frustration, boredom, or effort. In this mode, we might avoid tasks, procrastinate, or give up easily. We may resist rules or expectations, especially if they feel too hard, repetitive, or uninteresting. This response often emerges when we feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or unmotivated. It’s a way of escaping discomfort and seeking immediate gratification or relief from responsibility.

While the Undisciplined Child might try to protect us from stress or failure, its approach can create more problems over time. We may feel stuck, disappointed in ourselves, or fall short of important goals and values.

So, what can we do instead? The Healthy Adult mode can step in to offer compassion and structure. It helps us validate the need for rest or support, while also encouraging persistence, planning, and accountability. Instead of giving in to avoidance, we can break tasks into manageable steps and celebrate small wins. This allows us to build resilience, confidence, and a greater sense of responsibility over time.

Interested in learning more about this mode? Check out our 7 minute schema video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDK96bgqLGk

Wisemind ACCEPTS - a DBT crisis skillDistraction is often seen as a method to disconnect from painful emotions and it ca...
29/05/2025

Wisemind ACCEPTS - a DBT crisis skill

Distraction is often seen as a method to disconnect from painful emotions and it can easily turn into a form of avoidance. One TV episode meant to take our mind off things can easily turn into a whole season. However, there are times when distraction can be a useful tool to help with emotion regulation.

When can distraction be useful?
When we are in a crisis, distraction can help us avoid dangerous behaviours. This skill is meant to help us escape our present distressing situation for a moment, so that we can return to it with a better mindset (when we're back in ‘wise mind’ or our healthy adult mode). Taking a moment to distract ourselves can kick us out of a difficult emotional state or urge to engage in an unhelpful form of coping. Distraction is a helpful tool if 1. When emotional pain is on the verge of becoming overwhelming and 2. When problems can’t be solved immediately. However, it is important that once we have moved through the ‘crisis’, we return to address the situation.

There are seven sets of distracting skills, today we are focusing on Thoughts ✨

When our minds are caught in spirals of distress, purposefully focusing on neutral or engaging thoughts can help interrupt the emotional intensity. This isn’t about suppressing emotions but giving ourselves a moment to shift mental gears. Examples are: Counting backwards from 100 by 7s, think of a colour for each letter of the alphabet, name as many countries as you can, or think about the steps of a favourite recipe or a route you take often.

These thought-based distractions work by occupying the mind with something structured or mentally stimulating, creating a break from ruminating or emotionally charged thoughts. Using the Thoughts skill is about stepping back for a moment—not to avoid, but to return later with greater presence, clarity, and a stronger connection to wise mind.

Next time you’re caught in emotional overwhelm, try a thought-based distraction and see how it shifts your emotional state. 💛

Do you find it hard to regulate your emotions or manage distress?Do you struggle to express your needs in relationships ...
25/05/2025

Do you find it hard to regulate your emotions or manage distress?
Do you struggle to express your needs in relationships or wish you were more assertive?
Would you like to feel more present in your life and build mindfulness skills?

If any of this sounds familiar, our upcoming DBT skills group could be a great fit for you.

This group will help you:
🔹 Develop practical strategies for managing overwhelming emotions
🔹Improve communication and assertiveness
🔹Build mindfulness and distress tolerance
🔹 Strengthen your ability to navigate relationships

Starting later this year – limited spaces available.
To learn more, visit our website or email us at group@stia.com.au.

Not sure if this group is right for you?
Send us an email — we're happy to answer any questions.

Looking to begin or continue your therapy journey? Several of our compassionate practitioners have upcoming availability...
19/05/2025

Looking to begin or continue your therapy journey? Several of our compassionate practitioners have upcoming availability and are here to support you. Get in touch to find the right fit for you 💬🧠✨

Address

Carlton, VIC

Telephone

+61393312878

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