OUR SERVICES

Private Schema Therapy in Glasgow and Ayr

Schema therapy builds on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles. It is designed to get to the early roots of maladaptive beliefs and patterns such as addiction, avoidance, and social withdrawal.

If you habitually respond to life triggers in ways that cause you distress, it is possible you have unconsciously adopted deeply ingrained beliefs about yourself and/or other people that contribute to these difficulties.

With the support of a qualified clinician, you can learn new ways of meeting your emotional needs and build patterns that are beneficial to the kind of life that you want to live. Our team at The Dawn Practice is kind and non-judgemental, providing a safe space to process the past and collaboratively find a way forward.

What Is Schema-Focused Therapy?

When core emotional needs are not consistently met during childhood, early maladaptive “schemas” can develop. These are deeply ingrained patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating to others that can negatively affect wellbeing over time and contribute to unhelpful coping styles, known as “modes”. Some examples might include:

Emotional distress that feels disproportionate to the presenting life situation
Fear of abandonment that contributes to relational anxiety or self-sabotage
Repeatedly entering romantic relationships where emotional needs are not met
Unrelenting standards that make it hard to express vulnerability or ask for support

Schemas are associated with a range of mental health difficulties, including anxiety, relationship problems, and some personality disorders. Schema-focused therapy is a talking therapy that helps individuals understand the origins of these patterns, challenge unhelpful beliefs, develop healthier coping strategies, and strengthen their capacity to meet emotional needs in everyday life.

What Will We Cover in Schema Therapy?

The Dawn Practice provides a safe and comfortable environment for you to work through and develop healthier alternatives for maladaptive modes. As part of the process, you will work alongside a compassionate clinician to explore:

Identification of particular schemas you are struggling with
Schema modes you engage in, and the triggers that activate them
How these patterns may be linked to difficulties such as chronic depression and anxiety

Schema Example	Coping style	Schema mode
Abandonment	Seeking constant reassurance, avoiding being alone, staying in unhealthy relationships	Maladaptive coping mode
Failure	Feeling incapable, ashamed, or afraid of trying because failure feels inevitable	Vulnerable child mode
Self-sacrifice	Ignoring own needs, over-prioritising others, feeling guilty for saying no	Demanding parent mode
Emotional inhibition	Suppressing feelings, avoiding vulnerability, holding back affection	Maladaptive coping mode

Process

Our Schema Therapy Process

01.

A Warm Welcome

When you come through the doors of one of our clinics, in Ayr, Newton Mearns, Bearsden or Glasgow, you will be greeted by a friendly face, usually a member of our administration team. You will then meet one of our qualified clinicians with experience in schema therapy. After introductions, you will be taken to a private and comfortable room to begin your session.

A woman and man talk with a therapist on a couch in a cozy Glasgow clinic living room.

02.

Initial Appointment

The first appointment is an opportunity to tell your story and discuss any patterns, coping strategies, or emotional difficulties that you would like to change. This may also include conversations about your childhood and any important information that could influence your treatment plan, such as neurodivergence-related accessibility needs, cultural considerations, or other personal preferences. (e.g., neurodivergence accessibility or other personal preferences).

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03.

Feedback on Coping Styles

Based on our conversations with you, we will help you identify the schemas and modes that may be contributing to your difficulties and work collaboratively to create a plan for change. Together, we will support you in strengthening healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to others. This includes clear and accessible recommendations tailored to your individual needs, goals, and preferences.

People in a therapy session sitting and talking as part of psychological talking therapies

04.

Support to Meet Core Emotional Needs

Your ongoing schema therapy sessions are tailored to your individual needs, following professional and ethical guidelines to ensure you receive the highest standard of therapeutic care. Throughout the process, your clinician will support you to develop healthier coping strategies, strengthen emotional regulation, reduce the impact of maladaptive schemas, and work through difficult emotions.

A man gestures while talking to a woman in a bright clinic; a potted orchid is on a nearby table.

05.

Routine Reviews

Reviews are held at set periods to assess how well your chosen therapy is working. Our clinicians will adapt your treatment as needed to help support your progress, working alongside community mental health teams if appropriate. Therapy can be short-term or long-term and is available in person at our mental health clinics in Greater Glasgow, Glasgow city centre, and Ayr.

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Contact us

Postal Address

The Dawn Practice, 65 Bath St, Glasgow, G2 2BX

Email Address

info@dawnpractice.co.uk

Phone

0141 255 1390

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Why Us

Experts in mental health & neurodevelopmental care

Whether you need an assessment, therapy, or ongoing support, we’re here to bring clarity. All care is evidence-based and delivered by fully qualified professionals.

We only use highly experienced, regulated clinicians.

Multiple pathways of support available, all in one place

Our approach is neuroaffirmative and inclusive.

Trusted by GPs, schools, charities and public services.

Collaborative, supportive care when you need it most.

Frequently Asked
Questions

Do I need a GP referral to access therapy for schema therapy?

Though we can work alongside GPs for NHS shared care agreement arrangements, no GP referral is required for schema therapy. You can self-refer or be referred by family members, schools, or other social care. If you are unsure or simply would like to discuss your options, please get in touch with us.

How long does schema therapy take?

Schema therapy is a medium-to-long-term mental health treatment, depending on the nature of the issues you are working through. For schema therapy to be effective, a minimum of 10-20 sessions is recommended.

What is schema therapy used for?

Schema therapy is used to process and heal unhealthy rooted behaviour and thought patterns from early childhood. It combines cognitive behavioural therapy with psychodynamic and gestalt experiential therapy techniques.

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