Flexible Online Schema Therapy Options

At Grouport, we offer multiple ways to access schema therapy, all led by licensed clinicians. Whether you prefer individual sessions for deep schema work, group therapy where shared experiences accelerate healing, or a more intensive program, our schema-informed offerings are designed to help you break free from lifelong patterns. Many members choose to combine formats for the most comprehensive support.

Online Group Therapy

Learn More

Online Group Therapy

Join a therapist-led group with up to 12 members. Group schema therapy is powerfully effective because the group itself becomes a corrective emotional experience. Research shows group schema therapy produces significant reductions in personality disorder symptoms, and the group format naturally triggers schemas, giving you a safe space to recognize and change patterns in real time.

Learn More

Online Individual Therapy

Learn More

Online Individual Therapy

Work one-on-one with a licensed therapist trained in schema therapy. Individual sessions allow for the deepest work: identifying your specific schemas, understanding how they developed, and using techniques like imagery rescripting, chairwork, and limited reparenting to heal the emotional wounds that keep your patterns locked in place.

Learn More

Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Learn More

Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

For those who need a higher level of support, our virtual IOP offers multiple therapy sessions each week, combining individual and group care with evidence-based interventions including schema therapy, CBT, and DBT at a more intensive cadence tailored to your needs.

Learn More

Online Family Therapy

Learn More

Online Family Therapy

Schema-informed family therapy helps family members understand how their individual schemas interact and create conflict. When one person's abandonment schema triggers another's emotional inhibition, the result is a painful cycle no one intended. Schema therapy helps the whole family recognize these patterns and develop healthier ways of meeting each other's emotional needs.

Learn More

Online Teen Therapy

Learn More

Online Teen Therapy

Schemas often begin forming in childhood and adolescence. Schema-informed teen therapy helps young people recognize early patterns before they become deeply entrenched, understand their emotional needs, and develop healthier coping strategies. We offer separate therapy groups for Adults (18+) and Teens & Adolescents (under 18) to ensure age-appropriate support.

Learn More

Online Couples Therapy

Learn More

Online Couples Therapy

Schema-informed couples therapy helps partners understand how their individual schemas collide to create relationship distress. When your partner triggers your abandonment schema, you may cling or withdraw, which triggers their defectiveness schema, creating a painful cycle. Schema therapy helps both partners see these patterns, heal underlying wounds, and build a more secure bond.

Learn More

Looking for a Self-Paced DBT Option?

Build DBT skills at your own pace with our therapist-developed program — featuring video lessons, worksheets, and tools you can access anytime.

Start Your Online Schema Therapy in 3 Simple Steps

Our online schema therapy is designed to help you identify and heal the deep emotional patterns driving your difficulties through a structured, integrative approach. Here is how to get started.

GET STARTED

SCHEDULE FREE CALL

01   Choose the Right Therapy Format & Plan

Whether you want individual schema therapy, group sessions for experiential work, a combination of both, or our IOP program for more intensive care, you will start by selecting the format that fits your needs and schedule. Complete our onboarding form and sign up directly.

02   Have a 1:1 Consultation with a Care Coordinator

After signing up, you will connect with a dedicated care coordinator who will discuss your challenges, goals, and where you are in the change process. They will match you with a therapist trained in schema therapy and walk you through your options. You will make the final choice about your care, including which therapists you will meet with and session times.

03   Begin Schema Therapy Sessions

Start your healing journey. Your therapist will guide you through schema therapy's integrative approach: identifying your early maladaptive schemas, mapping your schema modes, and using experiential techniques like imagery rescripting and chairwork to heal the emotional wounds driving your patterns. Many people notice meaningful shifts as they begin to understand their patterns for the first time. Our team will be here to support you at every step.

Understanding Schema Therapy: How It Works

Schema therapy was created by Dr. Jeffrey Young in the 1990s for people whose problems were too deep-rooted for standard CBT alone. It integrates the best of cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, psychodynamic, and attachment approaches into a comprehensive framework for understanding and changing lifelong emotional patterns.

At its core, schema therapy identifies Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS): deep emotional themes that develop when core childhood needs (safety, connection, autonomy, self-worth, self-expression) go unmet. These schemas, such as abandonment, defectiveness, emotional deprivation, or failure, operate like invisible rules that shape how you see yourself, others, and the world. They drive the patterns that keep you stuck: choosing the wrong partners, sabotaging success, feeling fundamentally flawed, or struggling with intense emotions.

Schema therapy also works with schema modes, the moment-to-moment emotional states triggered by your schemas: the Vulnerable Child who feels scared and alone, the Angry Child who lashes out, the Punitive Parent who attacks you with self-criticism, and the Detached Protector who shuts down to avoid pain. Your therapist helps you strengthen your Healthy Adult mode so you can meet your own needs and break free from the patterns. A multicenter RCT found schema therapy produced superior recovery from personality disorders compared to treatment as usual, with better functioning and less dropout. Research also shows schema therapy is comparable to DBT for borderline personality disorder and non-inferior to CBT for chronic depression.

Understanding Schema Therapy

Conditions Schema Therapy Helps

Schema therapy does not just manage symptoms. It transforms the deep patterns that generate those symptoms in the first place.

Breaking Relationship Patterns

If you keep choosing partners who are emotionally unavailable, pushing people away when they get close, or tolerating treatment you know is not right, schema therapy helps you understand why. Schemas like abandonment, emotional deprivation, or subjugation drive these relationship patterns at a level deeper than conscious choice. When the schema heals, the pattern changes.

Quieting the Inner Critic

That harsh voice telling you that you are not good enough, that you will fail, that you do not deserve happiness: schema therapy calls this the Punitive Parent mode. It is not your voice. It is an internalized pattern from your past. Through techniques like chairwork and imagery rescripting, you learn to challenge this critic and build a compassionate Healthy Adult voice that can meet your own needs.

Managing Intense Emotions

When emotions feel overwhelming, out of proportion, or like they come from nowhere, schemas are often the trigger. A minor rejection activates your abandonment schema and suddenly you feel like a terrified child. Schema therapy helps you recognize when a schema has been triggered, understand the mode you have flipped into, and respond from your Healthy Adult rather than reacting from a wounded place.

Healing Chronic Depression

When depression keeps coming back despite treatment, schemas like defectiveness, failure, or emotional deprivation are often maintaining it. The OPTIMA-RCT, one of the largest trials in the field, found schema therapy non-inferior to CBT for chronic depression. By addressing the core beliefs that fuel depressive relapse, schema therapy creates change that lasts years beyond treatment.

Understanding Yourself Deeply

Schema therapy gives you a powerful framework for understanding why you are the way you are, without blame. When you can name your schemas and recognize your modes, behaviors that seemed inexplicable suddenly make sense. This self-understanding is not just intellectual. Through experiential techniques, you feel the connection between past wounds and present patterns, which is what makes change possible.

Building a Stronger Sense of Self

If you struggle with a persistent feeling that you are fundamentally flawed, unworthy, or "too much," schemas like defectiveness and low self-worth are likely at work. Schema therapy does not just teach you to think more positively. Through limited reparenting and experiential work, it helps you internalize, at a felt level, that you are worthy of love and belonging. Research shows these improvements in self-concept persist for years after treatment.

What to Expect in Your Schema Therapy Sessions

Schema therapy uses a phased approach that combines cognitive understanding with experiential techniques to create deep, lasting change.

1

Assessment and Education

Your therapist helps you identify your specific Early Maladaptive Schemas and understand the modes (emotional states) that get triggered in your daily life. You will begin to see the connection between your childhood experiences and your current patterns. This phase often produces powerful "aha" moments as behaviors that seemed inexplicable suddenly make sense within the schema framework.

2

Experiential Change Work

This is where schema therapy goes beyond traditional talk therapy. Through techniques like imagery rescripting (revisiting painful memories and giving them a different ending), chairwork (dialoguing between different parts of yourself), and limited reparenting (your therapist providing the warmth and validation your schemas tell you is not available), you begin to heal the emotional wounds at the heart of your patterns.

3

Behavioral Pattern Breaking

As schemas weaken and your Healthy Adult mode strengthens, you begin actively choosing different behaviors in your relationships, work, and self-care. Your therapist supports you in replacing old coping patterns (avoidance, overcompensation, surrender) with healthier responses. Research shows these changes persist for years after treatment ends because the underlying schema has changed, not just the surface behavior.

See how our therapy options have helped our members experience life-changing results

Stephanie

“Grouport is time flexible and affordable and if it didn’t exist, I don’t know where I would go. I had looked into other places before Grouport and there really wasn’t any option like it.”

Michael

“I highly recommend this to anyone who is struggling with anxiety or depression. The therapists are top notch and have made me feel really comfortable and my anxiety has improved tremendously in only a few sessions!”

Isabel

"I joined Grouport to work on myself and to heal. I’m learning so much at every session! The change I see not only in myself but in my fellow group members is abundantly encouraging and profoundly fulfilling. Group therapy with Grouport is a powerful healing tool."

Sheldon

“I was feeling very down at the end of 2020 and I was ready to do something drastic that I know I'd likely regret. The group definitely helped show me that there are people who feel the same way as I do.”

Nancy

“The therapy from Grouport is high quality and convenient. I am becoming much more self aware and am liking myself more. My relationships at work are better and I’m much happier.”

Emily

“I like the connection you can make with total strangers and the confidentiality it comes with.”

Olivia

“My weekly group helps me get through the week. Best experience ever!”

Danielle

"Grouport can help you with your issues. Their therapists are well trained to work with you on your issues. I felt my anxiety greatly improve after only a few sessions. I highly recommend it!"

Glenn

"Grouport's approach to DBT is a real strength. This approach provides tools and methods for working with difficult emotions and getting a handle on them. It has given me hope where other approaches have failed."

Conditions Schema Therapy Helps

Schema therapy was originally developed for personality disorders but has since demonstrated effectiveness across a range of chronic and treatment-resistant conditions.

Borderline Personality Disorderplus icon

BPD is schema therapy's strongest evidence base. Multiple RCTs show it is superior to treatment as usual and comparable to DBT. A large international trial found both individual and group schema therapy produced significant reductions in BPD symptoms that were maintained at follow-up. Schema therapy addresses the core abandonment, defectiveness, and emotional deprivation schemas that drive BPD.

Personality Disorders (Cluster C and Others)plus icon

A multicenter RCT found schema therapy produced superior recovery from Cluster C, paranoid, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders compared to both treatment as usual and clarification-oriented psychotherapy. Results included better general and social functioning and less dropout. Schema therapy is effective regardless of specific personality disorder diagnosis.

Chronic and Treatment-Resistant Depressionplus icon

When depression keeps returning despite treatment, the underlying schemas are often maintaining it. The OPTIMA-RCT (292 participants) found schema therapy non-inferior to CBT for chronic depression. By targeting core beliefs about worthlessness and failure rather than just current symptoms, schema therapy creates lasting change that protects against relapse.

Anxiety and Avoidance Patternsplus icon

When anxiety is driven by deep schemas like vulnerability to harm, enmeshment, or failure, standard anxiety treatments may provide only temporary relief. Schema therapy addresses the underlying beliefs that make the world feel fundamentally unsafe, creating more lasting change. Emerging research supports its effectiveness for anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD.

Relationship Difficulties and Codependencyplus icon

Chronic relationship problems, including codependency, people-pleasing, and patterns of choosing unavailable or harmful partners, are often driven by schemas like abandonment, self-sacrifice, or subjugation. Schema therapy helps you understand these patterns at their root and develop healthier ways of getting your emotional needs met.

Eating Disorders and Body Imageplus icon

Eating disorders are frequently driven by schemas related to defectiveness, insufficient self-control, and emotional deprivation. When standard treatments plateau, schema therapy can address the deeper emotional wounds maintaining disordered eating patterns. Emerging research supports its use as both a standalone and complementary approach for eating disorders.

GET STARTED

SCHEDULE FREE CALL

Every Grouport therapist is a licensed, accredited mental health professional with specialized training in evidence-based approaches including schema therapy, and extensive clinical experience in personality disorders, chronic depression, anxiety, relationship patterns, and emotional dysregulation.

PhDPsyDLCSWLMHCLMFT

Our therapists typically have over a decade of clinical experience across diverse settings, with specialized expertise in schema therapy, integrative, and depth-oriented approaches, as well as personality disorders, chronic depression, anxiety, and relationship patterns. Our therapists are trained in schema therapy and other proven modalities to provide the best fit for your needs.

We continually evaluate outcomes through internal studies and outcomes studies with researchers from leading universities such as Carnegie Mellon, University of Essex, and University of Cologne.

MEET OUR THERAPISTS
Grouport network of licensed therapists trained in Schema Therapy

a healthier future starts right here

Grouport’s Results

80%of our members start with moderate to severe mental health symptoms

70% of our members feel significantly better within just 8 weeks

50% of our members achieve remission levels within just 8 weeks

80%
of our members start with moderate to severe mental health symptoms

70%
of our members feel significantly better within just 8 weeks

50%
of our members achieve remission levels within just 8 weeks

girl with chart on face

All Your Therapy Needs, All in One Place

Group, individual, couples, family, IOP, and teen therapy — all online, all therapist-led. Mix and match care options to fit your needs — and get discounted pricing when you bundle.

leadership-team-group-svgrepo-com

Group Therapy

$35/session
billed at $140/month

Get Started

or Learn More

User profile

Individual Therapy

$112/session
billed at $448/month

Get Started

or Learn More

Partnership

Couples Therapy

$123/session
billed at $492/month

Get Started

or Learn More

User Profile

Family Therapy

$160/session
billed at $640/month

Get Started

or Learn More

IOP Therapy

$337/week
billed at $1,348/month

Get Started

or Learn More

Frame

Teen Therapy

$112/session
billed at $448/month

Get Started

or Learn More

Schema therapy heals the deep emotional patterns driving personality difficulties, chronic depression, and relationship problems. Our licensed therapists also treat a wide range of conditions using proven methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is schema therapy?

Schema therapy is an integrative psychotherapy created by Dr. Jeffrey Young that combines cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, psychodynamic, and attachment approaches. It identifies and heals Early Maladaptive Schemas, deep emotional patterns that develop from unmet childhood needs and drive lifelong difficulties in relationships, self-worth, and emotional regulation. A multicenter RCT found schema therapy produced superior recovery from personality disorders compared to treatment as usual.

What conditions does schema therapy treat?

Schema therapy has the strongest evidence for borderline personality disorder and other personality disorders. It is also effective for chronic and treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, and codependency. It is especially suited for conditions that have not responded fully to standard CBT or brief therapy approaches.

Are Grouport's licensed therapists qualified to provide schema therapy?

Yes. Our therapists are licensed mental health professionals (PhD, PsyD, LCSW, LMHC, LMFT) with training in schema therapy and integrative approaches for personality disorders, chronic depression, anxiety, relationship patterns, and emotional dysregulation.

How is schema therapy different from CBT?

CBT focuses on changing current thought patterns and behaviors. Schema therapy goes deeper, addressing the lifelong emotional patterns (schemas) that developed from unmet childhood needs. While CBT teaches coping skills, schema therapy heals the underlying wounds that generate the problems. Schema therapy also uses experiential techniques like imagery rescripting and chairwork that go beyond cognitive restructuring. The OPTIMA-RCT found schema therapy non-inferior to CBT for chronic depression.

How long does schema therapy take?

Schema therapy is designed for deeper work and typically involves a longer course of treatment than brief therapies. The exact duration depends on the severity and complexity of your patterns. At Grouport, 70% of our members feel significantly better within just 8 weeks. Your therapist will work with you to determine the right pace for your goals.

Can I do schema therapy online?

Yes. Schema therapy's experiential techniques, including imagery rescripting and chairwork, translate effectively to online format. All Grouport sessions are held via secure, HIPAA-compliant video chat.

How much does schema therapy cost at Grouport?

Group Therapy averages $32/session. Individual Therapy averages $103/session. Couples Therapy averages $114/session. Family Therapy averages $148/session. IOP is $311/week. Teen Therapy averages $103/session. Payment options include Monthly, Quarterly (Save 10%), and Biannually (Save 15%).

What services does Grouport offer?

Grouport provides online group therapy, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, teen therapy, intensive outpatient program (IOP), and a DBT self-guided program. Many members combine multiple therapy types for comprehensive support.

What outcomes has Grouport seen with therapy?

Our therapy outcomes are backed by outcomes studies with researchers from leading universities such as Carnegie Mellon, University of Essex, and University of Cologne. 80% of our members start therapy with moderate to severe symptoms. Within just 8 weeks, 70% of members see clinically significant reduction in anxiety and depression, and 50% achieve remission levels.

How do I cancel schema therapy?

You can cancel anytime, and your membership will remain active until the end of your current billing period. Email support@grouporttherapy.com and we will send you a quick cancellation form to fill out.

Where is Grouport available?

Grouport is available worldwide for everyone. All sessions are held virtually over video chat. We offer separate therapy groups for Adults (18+) and Teens and Adolescents (under 18).

Do I get to choose my therapist?

Yes. After signing up, a care coordinator will reach out to understand your needs and match you with the right therapist and schedule. You can switch therapists anytime.

What are Early Maladaptive Schemas?

Early Maladaptive Schemas are deep emotional patterns that develop when core childhood needs go unmet. Dr. Jeffrey Young identified 18 schemas organized into five domains: disconnection and rejection, impaired autonomy, impaired limits, other-directedness, and overvigilance. Common schemas include abandonment, defectiveness, emotional deprivation, failure, and subjugation. These schemas operate like invisible rules, shaping how you see yourself and others and driving the patterns that keep you stuck.

What is limited reparenting in schema therapy?

Limited reparenting is a core schema therapy technique where your therapist provides, within appropriate professional boundaries, the warmth, stability, validation, and guidance that your schemas tell you is not available. This is not about replacing your parents. It is about giving you a corrective emotional experience that helps heal the unmet needs driving your schemas. Research shows this therapeutic relationship is a key ingredient in schema therapy's effectiveness.

Is schema therapy only for personality disorders?

No. While personality disorders are schema therapy's strongest evidence base, it is also effective for chronic depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, and any condition driven by deep-rooted emotional patterns. Schema therapy is especially suited when standard brief therapy approaches have not produced lasting results.

How is schema therapy different from DBT?

DBT focuses on teaching skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. Schema therapy focuses on healing the underlying emotional wounds that cause dysregulation in the first place. A head-to-head RCT found no significant differences between DBT and schema therapy for borderline personality disorder, suggesting both are effective through different mechanisms. Some people benefit from combining elements of both approaches.

Can children and teens benefit from schema therapy?

Yes. Schemas often begin forming in childhood and adolescence. Schema-informed therapy can help young people recognize early patterns before they become deeply entrenched. At Grouport, we offer separate therapy groups for Adults (18+) and Teens and Adolescents (under 18) to ensure age-appropriate support.

VIEW MORE

Whether you are struggling with personality patterns that keep sabotaging your relationships, chronic depression that keeps returning, or a deep sense that something is fundamentally wrong that brief therapy has not touched, schema therapy can help you heal at the root. With licensed therapists, strong research evidence, and flexible online formats, Grouport makes it easy to get started. Take the first step toward lasting change today.

Ready to get started with Schema Therapy