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Schema or CAT therapy.

5 replies

TurtleTriplets · 16/11/2022 16:17

Has anyone tried Schema or CAT therapy and did you find it helpful?

I am on the waiting list for these therapies but I hadn't't heard of them until today.

OP posts:
PhoebeFriends · 20/11/2022 14:33

I had CAT last year - 24 sessions in total. I worked hard at it - I fully engaged and read a bit about it online too. It was my
last attempt at finding help and it did work for me. It helped me make sense of my past and my self -I would go as far as to
say it saved me. I hope it works as well for you.

MsGoodenough · 13/09/2024 19:32

Sorry I know this is a Zombie thread. @PhoebeFriends if you're still here. Could you tell me a bit more about CAT therapy? I am considering it but not clear how all the formulations and diagrams lead to actual change. Thanks!

PhoebeFriends · 14/09/2024 23:26

Hi @MsGoodenough - I am still here! Looking at my old post surprised me as to how long ago my CAT was but was also a helpful jolt to revisit my map - so thank you.

The map - or diagrams are the representation of the therapy sessions and a guide to refer to - but for me it was reciprocal relationship with my therapist which led to change.

In a nutshell in the first couple of sessions you tell the therapist your story. They then create a letter which shows their understanding of you. For me this was a revelation - despite years of previous therapy, I felt seen for the first time.

From this you work together to identify positive key outcomes along with existing unhelpful behaviours which are causing problems and these are recorded on the map.

In daily life you notice when the unhelpful behaviours/thoughts etc occur and reflect on what you could do instead. You work through these with the therapist and add to/amend the map.

By the end, I knew who I was and that there were actions I could take to help me feel differently.

Apologies if I haven’t really given you the explanation you hoped for - it is a big tricky without giving personal examples.

I would recommend it though - it is the best thing I have done for myself. I wish you well with it and thank you for reminding me about my journey .

MsGoodenough · 15/09/2024 08:03

Thank you so much that's really helpful. I've got a choice between CAT and EMDR and not sure which way to go. Do you find the changes you managed to make have lasted?

PhoebeFriends · 15/09/2024 08:41

It was life changing for me and has lasted - I have needed to refer back to it at times but that is where having the paperwork / the map and the letters helps.

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