Schema Therapy (ST), developed by Jeffrey Young is an enhancement and development of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which particularly integrates emotions but also developmental aspects, centrally in diagnostic and therapeutic considerations. In addition, ST is based on a model of schemas, modes and basic needs and “their fate” during the course of life. Therefore, ST - in terms of a technical and strategic variant of CBT – seems to also be, and especially in the field of child and adolescent therapy, particularly suited to generating action-guiding, diagnostic and therapeutic concepts.

In total, 4 workshop units (WS 1-4) of the “Children’s Curriculum”, first the schema therapeutic conceptual model (schemas, modes, coping strategies), the underlying theory (central importance core needs in the context of developmental tasks), possible diagnostic means (eg, projective methods) and requirements in the therapeutic attitude (eg, concept of “limited reparenting” and “empathic confrontation”) are outlined, on the basis of temperament and personality factors in childhood and adolescence. However there are, in the center of the workshop series, training and practice units which encompass schema therapeutic strategies that have proven successful in the cognitive behavioral therapy of childhood and adolescence. Another focus is laid on the teaching of advanced and deepened work with parents in terms of “Schema Coaching for Parents” that includes schema or mode specific transactional processes between child and parent and shed a light on the mutual reinforcement processes of child’s und parent’s maladaptive schemas and modes.

Finally, the fundamental principles of group ST in working with children and adolescents will be analysed.

Beside the features of schema theory, the workshops offer many practical demonstrations through picture and video material or life demonstrations, and small exercises allow the participants to transfer the content into their own practice