Limited reparenting as a corrective emotional experience in schema therapy: A preliminary task analysis

Abstract

Aim

To construct a process model of limited reparenting as a corrective emotional experience using schema therapy (ST).

Method

We followed a task analytical approach, building two separate rational models based on the ST theory and our experience. Then, we constructed a final rational model. We tested our model in five therapy sessions.

Results

The process began with noticing a schema activation, after which a complex, interwoven process occurred involving facilitation and validation of the client's experiences, exploration of schema origins, engaging the client's process, and responding to unmet needs within professional boundaries. The limited reparenting experience in ST involves the use of psychotherapeutic techniques and, crucially, how these techniques are used in line with the ST model deployed.

Conclusion

Our results provided a roadmap and clarified the important aspects of limited reparenting. Providing clients with healthy and potentially corrective emotional experiences, facilitating and validating the feelings, understanding schema origins, and being willing to provide limited reparenting are the key features of the ST. It is more important to comprehend the philosophy behind ST than to focus on the specific (cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, experiential, etc.) techniques.

Keywords:

• limited reparenting
• corrective emotional experience
• schema therapy (ST)
• task analysis
• psychotherapeutic relationship