Certification Program
The Schema Therapy Training certification program meets strict and specific requirements outlined by the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST). These guidelines outline course content and structure, supervision and observational requirements. The workshops “Schema Therapy the model, Methods and Techniques” and “Schema Therapy Beyond the Basics” constitute the minimum coursework requirements outlined by the ISST (6 days of training).
The coursework components of the program will be completed by Chris Hayes and Robert Brockman. The supervision components of the program will be completed by accredited advanced level schema therapists in Australia, the US and the UK (see the "about us" page for further details).
Click here to see a detailed synopsis of the training program
In Australia, those completing 4+2 psychology training need to demonstrate 3 years of post qualification experience before they can commence the program.
Please note: Only live in-person or live via Zoom training can be used to complete accreditation. Prerecorded courses (whilst very helpful) can not be used for Schema Therapy Accreditation.
You can also view the FAQ page of the site of frequent asked questions related to the programme
The program can provide 2 levels of certification:
Standard Certification
The Standard Certification programme is suitable for all experienced mental health professionals, and is open to professionals with doctoral or master's (or equivalent) level qualifications/experience in mental health fields. Applicants should have intermediate or advanced levels of general psychotherapy experience.
Please be aware that priority will be given to applicants who currently have access to personality-disordered clients. Submission of an application does not guarantee a place. Spaces to the training program will be allocated following assessment.
Training must include a minimum of 2 cases treated with schema therapy, at least 25 therapy hours each. One case must have a presentation consistent with Borderline Personality Disorder (however a “formal” diagnosis is not required).
▪ 2 intensive workshops workshops, making a total of 6 days of training (these are Workshop 1: The Model Methods and Techniques and Workshop 2: Beyond the Basics).
▪ 20 sessions of individual consultation, approximately 50-60 minutes in length. These will be completed by zoom (or equivalent). Consultation sessions are typically held over a 12 month period.
▪ 2 video or audio recordings of client therapy sessions, to be submitted at regular intervals, each accompanied by a completed Schema Case Conceptualisation form. A final session and conceptualisation will be scored by an independent rater other than your consultant (the cost of the rating is at the expense of the trainee).
Payments are paid separately for supervision, coursework and tape rating components. The majority payment is for the supervision component (which is around $180-200 per session).
This includes all required coursework training, supervision and ratings of recorded sessions. It does not cover travel and overnight expenses.
The course is should ideally be completed over a 12-18 month time frame
Advanced Certification
The Advanced Certification programme is suitable for all experienced mental health professionals, and is open to professionals with doctoral or master's (or equivalent) level qualifications/experience in mental health fields. Applicants should have intermediate or advanced levels of general psychotherapy experience. Please be aware that only applicants with the capacity to work with personality-disordered and complex clients will be considered.
Advanced certification allows for practitioners to provide consultation, training and lead clinical research.
Submission of an application does not guarantee a place. Applications will be scrutinised and places subsequently allocated.
▪ 2 workshops, consisting of a total of 6 days.
▪ 40 sessions of individual consultation sessions, each approximately 50-60 minutes in length. These may be conducted by telephone, or Zoom (or equivalent). Such sessions are held on a weekly to fortnightly basis (over a 18 month to 2 year period)
▪ 4 video or audio recordings of client therapy sessions, to be submitted at regular intervals, each accompanied by a completed Schema Case Conceptualisation form. A final 2 session ratings will be scored by an independent rater other than your consultant (arranged by Schema Therapy Training).
A minimum of 4 cases treated with schema therapy, at least 25 therapy hours each: one case must be Borderline Personality Disorder (however a formal diagnosis is not required) and one must be another Personality Disorder.
The Training is made up of 6 days workshop training days, 40 consultation meetings (which is around $180-200 per session) and ratings of 2 recorded sessions. Costs does not cover travel and overnight expenses. External tape rating costs are also at the expense of the trainee. Ideally, the course should be completed over a 18-24+ month time frame.
For application forms and to discuss the program please email Chris Hayes at info@schematherapytraining.com