How is Schema Therapy different from other types of therapy?

Schema therapy often goes deeper than surface-level coping strategies. It helps uncover and shift long-standing patterns - called schemas - that were often formed in childhood and can still affect how we relate to others and ourselves today.

What kinds of issues does Schema Therapy typically help with?

Schema therapy is especially effective for those who feel stuck in repeating life patterns, struggle with low self-worth, or have intense relationship challenges. It’s also useful in addressing anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation.

Do I need to know my childhood history for Schema Therapy to work?

Not at all. While your therapist may explore early life experiences, you won’t be expected to recall every detail. The focus of this therapy on understanding how past patterns show up in your present life, and giving you tools to shift them to healthier patterns.

Can Schema Therapy help if I’ve tried other types of therapy that didn’t work?

Yes! Many clients turn to Schema Therapy after feeling like short-term approaches haven’t addressed the root of their struggles. This therapy is designed for lasting change and digging deep to the root of your challenges.

Is Schema Therapy appropriate for young adults or older teens?

Absolutely - Clients in their late teens and early 20's can benefit from Schema Therapy, especially if they’ve already done some self-reflection and are open to deeper emotional work on themselves.

How long does Schema Therapy usually take to see results?

Everyone’s pace is different, but many clients notice meaningful shifts within a few months. Because Schema therapy is focused on long-term change, it often takes longer than more solution-focused models - but you are building skills and habits that are meant to last.

Will I be doing most of the talking, or is this more interactive?

Schema Therapy is highly collaborative. Your therapist may offer feedback, introduce experiential techniques, or guide you through imagery or role-playing exercises to help you break old patterns. This therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Every session may be different!

Is Schema Therapy something you combine with other approaches?

Yes, at Ott Counseling, we often integrate Schema therapy with other evidence-based approaches like CBT , DBT , and EMDR to customize treatment based on each person’s unique needs.

Where do you offer Schema therapy?

Our practice in Buffalo New York serves clients across Western New York, and Schema Therapy is available through several of our licensed therapists. We off both in-person or telehealth sessions for anyone in New York State.

How do I know if Schema Therapy is the right fit for me?

If you find yourself stuck in the same emotional loops or struggling in your relationships, Schema Therapy might be worth exploring. We’re happy to schedule a consultation to help you decide if this might be the best fit, or if other therapies may also be of benefit.

Schema Therapy Buffalo NY | Ott Counseling

Schema therapy targets schemas, or maladaptive patterns of thinking that could cause someone to engage in unhealthy behavior, or to struggle to maintain healthy relationships. Schemas develop during childhood as a result of unmet physical and emotional needs, and poor or inappropriate boundaries from caregivers. In adulthood, these schemas are thought to influence an individual’s thoughts and actions in negative ways—leading to behaviors such as avoidance, overcompensation, or excessive self-sacrifice. These behaviors, in turn, can negatively affect relationships and emotional well-being.

Schema Therapy is a structured, integrative approach that helps people identify and shift long-standing patterns - known as “schemas” - that were often developed in childhood. These patterns can affect how we view ourselves, others, and the world, often leading to repeated emotional struggles and relationship difficulties. At Ott Counseling, Schema Therapy supports clients in understanding where these patterns come from and in learning new ways to respond. It blends elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy with emotion-focused and attachment-based strategies. This therapy can be especially helpful for those who feel stuck in cycles they can’t seem to break, even with other forms of therapy.

Schema Therapy at Ott Counseling is typically offered to older teens and adults who are navigating long-standing emotional patterns, relationship challenges, or persistent negative beliefs about themselves. Clients are often individuals who have tried other therapeutic approaches but still feel stuck. While it’s not commonly used with younger children, our therapists always assess each person’s needs individually to determine the best therapeutic fit, and often use several kinds of therapy to customize your care to your specific needs.

How is Schema Therapy different from other types of therapy?
Schema therapy often goes deeper than surface-level coping strategies. It helps uncover and shift long-standing patterns - called schemas - that were often formed in childhood and can still affect how we relate to others and ourselves today.
What kinds of issues does Schema Therapy typically help with?
Schema therapy is especially effective for those who feel stuck in repeating life patterns, struggle with low self-worth, or have intense relationship challenges. It’s also useful in addressing anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation.
Do I need to know my childhood history for Schema Therapy to work?
Not at all. While your therapist may explore early life experiences, you won’t be expected to recall every detail. The focus of this therapy on understanding how past patterns show up in your present life, and giving you tools to shift them to healthier patterns.
Can Schema Therapy help if I’ve tried other types of therapy that didn’t work?
Yes! Many clients turn to Schema Therapy after feeling like short-term approaches haven’t addressed the root of their struggles. This therapy is designed for lasting change and digging deep to the root of your challenges.
Is Schema Therapy appropriate for young adults or older teens?
Absolutely - Clients in their late teens and early 20's can benefit from Schema Therapy, especially if they’ve already done some self-reflection and are open to deeper emotional work on themselves.
How long does Schema Therapy usually take to see results?
Everyone’s pace is different, but many clients notice meaningful shifts within a few months. Because Schema therapy is focused on long-term change, it often takes longer than more solution-focused models - but you are building skills and habits that are meant to last.
Will I be doing most of the talking, or is this more interactive?
Schema Therapy is highly collaborative. Your therapist may offer feedback, introduce experiential techniques, or guide you through imagery or role-playing exercises to help you break old patterns. This therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Every session may be different!
Is Schema Therapy something you combine with other approaches?
Yes, at Ott Counseling, we often integrate Schema therapy with other evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and EMDR to customize treatment based on each person’s unique needs.
Where do you offer Schema therapy?
Our practice in Buffalo New York serves clients across Western New York, and Schema Therapy is available through several of our licensed therapists. We off both in-person or telehealth sessions for anyone in New York State.
How do I know if Schema Therapy is the right fit for me?
If you find yourself stuck in the same emotional loops or struggling in your relationships, Schema Therapy might be worth exploring. We’re happy to schedule a consultation to help you decide if this might be the best fit, or if other therapies may also be of benefit.

Blog Post: How Do I Know Which Kind of Therapy Is Right for My Child? (And Meet Our New Specialist)

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Schema Therapy

What is Schema Therapy?

What Age are your Clients?

Teens

Adults

Older Adults

We Love Schema Therapy For...

Relationship Challenges

Chronic Self-Criticism

Unhelpful Coping Strategies

Complex Traumas

Personality Challenges

Is Schema Therapy Right For Me?

How is Schema Therapy different from other types of therapy?

What kinds of issues does Schema Therapy typically help with?

Do I need to know my childhood history for Schema Therapy to work?

Can Schema Therapy help if I’ve tried other types of therapy that didn’t work?

Is Schema Therapy appropriate for young adults or older teens?

How long does Schema Therapy usually take to see results?

Will I be doing most of the talking, or is this more interactive?

Is Schema Therapy something you combine with other approaches?

Where do you offer Schema therapy?

How do I know if Schema Therapy is the right fit for me?

Meet Your Therapists

Laura Ott, LCSW, PMH-C (She/Her)

Nathaniel Whitcomb, LMSW (He/Him)

Courtney Costello, LMSW (She/Her)

Kate Tripi, MS (She/Her)

Alisa Chirico, MSW, MLA (She/Her)

Mary Gannon, M. Ed, LMSW (She/Her)

Brianna Nilsen, LMSW (She/Her)

Richard Manuel, LMSW (He/Him)

Saffi Rigberg, LMSW (She/Her)

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Schema Therapy

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Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Brainspotting

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Creative & Body-Based Interventions

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DIR®/ Floortime®

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing

Internal Family Systems

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

Music Therapy

Nurture and Play

Progressive Counting

Schema Therapy

Theraplay®