Body-Focused Schema Therapy

In this Psyflix Masterclass, Professors Marleen Rijkeboer and Arnoud Arntz explore the latest developments in schema therapy theory and their practical implications for clinicians. Building on the foundation laid by Jeffrey Young, schema therapy has evolved into a dynamic approach that integrates cognitive behavioral techniques with elements from attachment theory, emotion-focused therapy, and psychodynamic principles. This masterclass delves into newly recognized core emotional needs, such as fairness, and how these shape therapeutic goals. The professors also examine the expansion of schema and mode categories, offering new ways to understand the inner worlds of clients. Special attention is given to the role of imagery in addressing complex emotions like aggression and perceptions of unfairness, as well as the influence of parental and child modes in the development of maladaptive schemas.

In this first part of the masterclass, Dr. Patricia Resick introduces Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)—a structured, evidence-based treatment for PTSD. CPT can be delivered in both individual and group formats and has demonstrated effectiveness across a wide range of traumatic experiences. Backed by extensive research, it not only helps reduce PTSD symptoms but also improves overall well-being by addressing related issues such as guilt and anger. Recognized in major clinical guidelines, CPT is one of the most recommended treatments for trauma-related disorders.

In this second part of the masterclass, Dr. Patricia Resick dives into the key reasons why clients drop out of therapy. She explains what truly makes a difference—such as attending weekly sessions, completing practice assignments, and using Socratic dialogue to foster insight. She also clarifies why empathy alone isn’t enough, and how active patient engagement is essential for treatment success.

In this third part of the masterclass, Dr. Patricia Resick presents research comparing Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) with Prolonged Exposure therapy and a waitlist condition over a six-week program. Long-term follow-up revealed low relapse rates, with many participants continuing therapy for unrelated issues. Dr. Resick addresses common myths about PTSD, explains how complex PTSD differs—especially in the context of childhood sexual abuse—and shares findings that show strong symptom improvement across all therapies. She also highlights how CPT is especially effective for individuals with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders.

In this fourth part of the masterclass, Dr. Patricia Resick delves into the neuroscience and theory behind PTSD. Classified as an anxiety disorder, PTSD is closely linked to fear circuitry in the brain. Resick explains how neuroimaging has deepened our understanding of trauma, particularly the roles of the amygdala and prefrontal cortex in the fight-or-flight response. She explores different types of PTSD—including moral injury—and discusses how cognitive and exposure-based therapies target the underlying mechanisms of change. You'll also learn how conditioned stimuli can hinder recovery, and why cognition plays a central role in successful treatment.

In this fifth part of the masterclass, Dr. Patricia Resick explores PTSD as a complex condition influenced by a range of psychological and behavioral factors. She introduces the functional model of PTSD, which emphasizes the challenges of recovery and the importance of viewing symptoms beyond mere diagnostic criteria. Recovery is a gradual process, and research shows that typical trauma responses can develop into full-blown symptoms over time. Resick explains how avoidance behaviors and negative emotions can block recovery, and how therapy must directly address these barriers to be effective.

In this sixth part of the masterclass, Dr. Patricia Resick unpacks how cognitive theory helps us understand the way people process and organize experiences from early in life. She explains how beliefs like the “just world” assumption shape our expectations around fairness and consequences—and how trauma can disrupt these beliefs, leading to maladaptive thinking patterns. Emotions are explored not as obstacles, but as essential to healing, with a focus on the importance of experiencing and understanding them. Resick also introduces the concept of stuck points—rigid or distorted thoughts that interfere with therapy—and emphasizes how identifying and working through them is key to effective treatment.

In this seventh part of the masterclass, Dr. Patricia Resick introduces key updates from her new book on PTSD treatment, including insights on assessment, telehealth, and therapist preparation. She emphasizes the importance of identifying an index trauma and using validated assessment tools like the PHQ-9 and PCL-5 to track client progress. This session also explores pre-treatment considerations, such as preparing clients for therapy, setting up contracts, and introducing coping strategies. Therapists are encouraged to monitor not only their clients’ progress, but also their own reactions and challenges throughout the process. Resick presents a clear and structured approach to cognitive case conceptualization, helping clinicians better understand their clients and tailor interventions effectively.

In this eighth part of the masterclass, Dr. Patricia Resick explains how CPT sessions are carefully structured to optimize focus and therapeutic outcomes. Each session begins with reviewing symptom measures and homework assignments, often completed in the waiting room or at home before the session starts. To keep the focus on therapy, small talk is minimized, and therapists are encouraged to find creative solutions for clients who lack privacy at home. Resick discusses how to handle avoidance behaviors, adjust schedules when necessary, and maintain momentum.

Chris Lee shares his journey from Perth to Amsterdam and explores the integration of schema therapy with EMDR. He discusses memory mapping as a technique to help clients distance themselves from experiences and compares assessment phases in both therapies. Lee highlights the IRM study's findings on treating PTSD, showing significant improvements. He emphasizes the benefits of combining these therapies for better clinical outcomes.

The discussion highlights the journey of self-discovery and emotional healing. It covers the impact of a difficult childhood marked by abuse and emotional constriction. Alice & Chris Lee reflect on her struggles with expressing emotions and the lack of support from family. Therapeutic goals focus on emotional expression, with techniques like EMDR and schema therapy introduced to address these issues. Establishing positive beliefs and assessing progress in therapy are also emphasized.

This video explores Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), a therapeutic approach that views emotions as central to human experience. EFT helps clients become aware of, accept, and transform their emotions. The therapy combines following the client’s emotional process with guiding them through tasks like resolving unresolved feelings or self-criticism. By focusing on bodily responses and synthesizing emotions (e.g., turning shame into healthy anger), EFT fosters deep emotional change. The process is non-linear, emphasizing experiential over intellectual understanding, and aims to help clients transform core painful emotions.

In this video, Les Greenberg demonstrates Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) with Marcel, a patient who struggles with a pleasing attitude. Marcel discusses how he often stays quiet, especially around dominant individuals, and avoids expressing his true thoughts. In the first session, he also addresses his relationship with his mother, exploring its impact on his behavior. Throughout the session, Greenberg guides Marcel in unpacking these issues and shares key takeaways for therapists on how to approach similar dynamics in their own practice.

Masterclass 1: The development of EFT and relational empathy for deepening affect Rhonda Goldman is a renowned expert in the field of Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). She has extensive experience in developing and teaching therapeutic approaches that focus on deepening affect and relational empathy. Her insights and knowledge will help us develop a deep understanding of EFT and the importance of empathy in therapy practice.

ADHD – often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and mistreated. This masterclass provides the latest updates on effective ADHD management. Prof. Cortese covers: - The evolution of ADHD medications and insights from clinical trials - Pharmacological vs. non-pharmacological treatments: what works (and what doesn’t) - The impact of parent training on treatment outcomes - How trauma influences ADHD symptoms

In the first therapy session, Dr. Elisabeth Kaiser meets patient Willemijn, who has been referred to her because she is struggling with mental health issues. During this initial session, Elisabeth gets to know Willemijn through a questionnaire to gain insight into her background and current emotional state. Elisabeth compares this process to visiting a general practitioner to identify the origins of specific symptoms. This is to find out where her trauma(s) are coming from.

Janis Briedis explores core emotional needs, schemas, and coping styles, highlighting the crucial role of the body in therapy—especially for trauma. He demonstrates techniques to interpret body signals, connect emotions with physical sensations, and integrate somatic awareness into treatment. With an emphasis on humor and playfulness, this approach helps clients access their healthy adult state and enhance self-care.

In this second session, Elisabeth starts by asking Willemijn how she feels after their first session to assess its impact on her. Following this, they begin to lay out Willemijn's lifeline. Symbols are used in the lifeline to describe situations, such as stones (unpleasant events), flowers (beautiful events), sticks (harm done to someone), and candles (loss of loved ones).

In this video, Sandra Kooij explores the future of ADHD treatments in adults, addressing new developments in the field.

In this roleplay, psychotherapist Remco van der Wijngaart demonstrates the chair excercise using three different chairs and client roles. He also shows how to do this technique online.

Masterclass 3: Markers and Tasks - Dealing with self-criticism, self-interruption, and unresolved issues. Psyflix presents the Person-Centered Experiential Therapy Masterclass Series: 'Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)' As a speaker and instructor, Imke Herrmann has conducted masterclasses and workshops worldwide, sharing her knowledge and expertise with other mental health professionals.

During the Grief Tapes, we focus on recognizing and treating grief. In this studio series you will see how Dr. Geert Smid treats a patient live and applies grief therapy (BEPP-TG).

During the Grief Tapes, we focus on recognizing and treating grief. In this studio series, you will see how Prof. Dr. Paul Boelen treats a patient and how an imaginary conversation with her son can help her process her loss.

During this 10th session, Anne is very emotional after an argument with her boyfriend, where she hit him. Dawn uses several techniques to demonstrate how to regulate tension and get the patient to mentalize more effectively. When the patient is effectively mentalizing, Dawn demonstrates the next step in a session, mentalizing the affective narrative: microslicing the event and the mental states (thoughts, feelings, desires, etc.) to mentalize about self , the other and the interaction stimulated. Mentalizing the affective narrative is part of relational mentalizing.

In this session you will be introduced to the DBT case conceptualization. As a result, almost all elements of the biosocial theory (see introductory video) are discussed: behavioral frameworks as an expression of being in a convincing hell or just as arising to prevent/temporarily stop that hell, vulnerability factors, skill deficits and self-invalidation that result of growing up in a disabling environment, and so on. At the end of the conversation, Anne is presented with a choice: if you want a decent life, are you willing to stop the behavior that makes this impossible? Are you willing to stop cutting, drinking, doing drugs? Are you ready to do this right away? Of course, then the doubts set in. Roland will therefore use 'commitment strategies', including shaping, door in the face, foot in the door, mutually, which will help Anne to make room for that doubt and still come to a decision. Throughout the clip you will also see other strategies typical of DBT: prioritizing treatment goals, accurate assessment, generating solutions, surprise exposure, alternating reciprocal responses with confrontation, and keeping the momentum going.

In this session you will be introduced to the structure of individual therapy in DBT. It starts with mindfulness. After that, the agenda is determined based on how someone is there and diary card data. If life-threatening, therapy-impaired, quality-of-life-reducing behavior is involved, a similar chain analysis is performed. In that analysis, vulnerability factors, triggering events, fundamental links, problem behavior and consequences are determined. This makes it clear what the client could do to ensure that 'problem behavior' (in this case pushing away, withdrawing, drinking alcohol) decreases and is replaced by skills (in this case making conscious choices, asking for help, anticipating, distraction, self-consolation). This behavior is immediately practiced and reinforced with coaching feedback. The session with summarizing, making agreements and strengthening commitment. We see many interventions aimed at change. In addition to chain analysis, providing solutions, behavioral exercises, reinforcement and commitment support also provide additional exposure and cognitive modification of the revue. Roland's communication style is direct and at times unorthodox. However, this is balanced with validation, reciprocity and humour. This variety keeps the tension bearable and creates a flow in the session.

Session 2 with Maartje – Maartje feels positive after the first session. Today, she wants to work on her anger. Les wants to explore this further: Where does the anger come from? When and why does it arise?

With Esther Haaijema, Wendy Weijts and Valentyna Parobii

On November 30 and December 7, Psyflix hosted 2 master classes given by experts Anneke Vinke and Dr. Julie Selwyn on the specific issues that can accompany adoption, how to recognize it and how to discuss/treat it. Adoption is a niche topic and these women make it accessible and tangible for us in the therapy room. This is part one of this wonderful series.

On November 30 and December 7, Psyflix hosted 2 master classes given by experts Anneke Vinke and Dr. Julie Selwyn (English) on the specific issues that can accompany adoption, how to recognize it and how to discuss/treat it. Adoption is a niche topic and these women make it accessible and tangible for us in the therapy room. This is part two of this wonderful series.

In this roleplay Dr. Suzanne Levy shows how to discuss the attachment problems underlying behavioral problems of the adolescent. The roleplay involves a conversation between father, son and mother with the therapist in the lead.

With Arjan Videler

Hanneke Schaap provides an introduction to the scientific basis of the role of religion and meaning in the treatment of psychological issues. Additionally, she offers clear guidelines for religion and meaning-sensitive treatment.

This presentation examines the complex relationship between addiction and criminal law, particularly focusing on culpability in cases of intoxication. It discusses how various jurisdictions handle prior fault rules and the challenges faced by defendants with mental disorders or substance use issues. The role of behavioral experts is highlighted, emphasizing their impact on judicial decisions regarding addiction and culpability.

In this introduction, David Bernstein and Limor Navot explain how forensic schema therapy was developed, how it works, the research supporting it, and how therapists apply it in practice.

In this roleplay, David treats Jerry, an inmate who was recently involved in a violent incident. He uses empathic confrontation to help Jerry see that his conning manipulator mode works against him rather than helping him.

In this roleplay, Limor treats Jerry, an inmate recently transferred to a different clinic. She uses empathic confrontation to help him understand that his self-aggrandizer mode does not always work in his favor.

Bram van der Boom interviews David Bernstein and Limor Navot.

This e-learning is based on a webinar by prof. dr. Anthony Bateman and dr. Dawn Bales. They talk in depth about Mentalization Based Treatment, the basic principles of MBT and how this approach can be applied in an online setting.

In this roleplay, prof. dr. Ad Kerkhof demonstrates how to explore suicidal ideation and help prevent clients from dying by suicide.

In this roleplay, Limor Navot en prof. dr. David Bernstein demonstrate how to deal with the self-aggrandizer modus and agression as part of a narcisistic personality disorder using schematherapeutic techniques.

In this webinar, Travis Atkinson discusses how to facilitate partner relationship therapy in a partner relationship format. He explains the similarities and differences with EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) and points out how both models complement each other. In a role-play, Travis gives an example of how schema therapy can be applied within couples therapy.

In this first session between Frank Yeomans and Indie, Frank explains what personality disorder is and how it may be related to Indie's depression, and how he experiences problems in multiple areas of life: 1. emotionally (fluctuating emotions), 2. relationships (intense relationships), 3. behavior (drug use, promiscuity), 4. confusion about one's own identity

After undergoing two months of therapy, a crucial session unfolds where the patient's emotions flare up, directed at the therapist. The catalyst for this outburst is the news of Frank's upcoming two-week absence, during which another therapist will be taking over. Throughout the session, Frank adeptly handles the patient's anger and unravels the underlying issue—the deep-seated fear of abandonment. Superficial reassurances prove ineffective in addressing this profound concern.

In this roleplay session, therapist Sarah Walker explores techniques to block projection and regulate anxiety while working with a new client. Sarah knows only a few details about the patient: she is 35 years old and struggling with interpersonal issues, seeking help after both her boss and husband suggested therapy. But what does the patient think is the main issue? Watch as Sarah navigates these dynamics, helping to reveal underlying concerns while addressing projections and managing anxiety in real time.

In this series, you will learn about the existing and future clinical applications of VR. In this third and last masterclass of the series, Skip Rizzo talks about how virtual reality can be used to reduce chronic pain, improve mindfulness, and how VR can be helpful in the diagnostic process of ADHD.

With Joy Oonk

During the Grief Tapes we focus on recognizing and treating grief. In this studio series you will see how Dr. Geert Smid treats a patient live and applies grief therapy (BEPP-TG). With Geert Smid, Mr. Moto and Bram van der Boom

In this first session of the Trauma Tapes, Prof. Dr. Berthold Gersons meets Victoria and her partner. He explains to them what PTSD is and how it has changed her view of herself, others and the world. -Dutch with English subtitles-

In this fifth session of the Trauma Tapes, you'll see how Prof. Dr. Ad de Jongh applies EMDR 2.0: an EMDR method based on working memory theory. In doing so, Ad de Jongh uses a variation of tasks aimed at increasing working memory load. -Dutch with English subtitles-

In this seventh session of the Trauma Tapes, Prof. Dr. Berthold Gersons zooms in on the emotion of grief and the first traumatic experience that forms the kink in Victoria's lifeline. Victoria came to her father in the Netherlands from Poland at a young age and was beaten with a belt while reading Dutch to him. -Dutch with English subtitles-

In this director's cut, Agnes van Minnen explains the rationale of imaginal exposure and exposure in vivo. She illustrates the protocol using the two sessions she had with Victoria. She shows that at the beginning and at the end of the session she is attentive to the feelings it evokes in the patients. During the imaginal exposure and exposure in vivo, she is primarily a coach on behavior to subvert the fear idea.

Prof. Ad de Jongh looks back on his sessions with Victoria in this director's cut. Ad shows exactly what he does, explaining his choices during the sessions. Ad de Jongh also talks about the similarities and differences between EMDR and EMDR 2.0, and the importance of working memory theory in the latter.

Femke has PTSD, early childhood trauma, low self-image and avoidant traits.

In this eighth session of the Trauma Tapes, Prof. Dr. Agnes van Minnen explains the rationale of imaginary exposure and exposure in vivo to Victoria. In this session, she performs imaginary exposure about the first rape by Victoria's father. She does this imaginary exposure twice. -Dutch with English subtitles-

In this case conceptualisation, Prof. Dr. Ad de Jonge and Laurian Hafkemeijer go over Lisanne's background, complaints and traumatic memories. Ad and Laurian make an inventory of the traumatic memories and place them in a hierarchy of how disturbing these memories are for her currently.

Ad and Lisanne review the memories they worked on in the previous sessions. The SUD of these memories have decreased remarkably. Next, they focus on the memories related to a negative self-image, such as the belief “I am not okay”. Together they can conclude positively with “I am self-aware”.

In the second session, Katy tells Pnin that they won't delve fully into the details of the traumas he has experienced just yet, and instead, they will first outline a complete lifeline of his entire life. Symbols are used in the lifeline to describe situations, such as stones (unpleasant events), flowers (beautiful events), sticks (harm done to someone), and candles (loss of loved ones).

In this third session, Katy goes through the moments that Pnin has indicated on his lifeline. This process is slow and detailed, with Katy fully guiding Pnin through it. Katy clearly explains to Pnin how she will approach this to achieve the best results for him.

In this masterclass, Skip Rizzo shows different ways in which virtual reality (VR) can be used in mental healthcare. He shows us this with examples from virtual reality applications and interventions.

ISTDP stands for Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy. The essence of ISTDP is about gaining insight into and experiencing emotions, desires and needs, the fears that are associated with experiencing these, and the defense mechanisms that are in place against these fears. Usually these originate from painful experiences in childhood related to insecure attachment and unsafe striving for autonomy. In this webinar, prof. dr. Allan Abbass will show us different applications of ISTDP with mild to complex personality dysfunction. Special attention is given to applying this short-term therapy in an online setting.

In this series, you will learn about the existing and future clinical applications of VR. In this first masterclass, Albert "Skip" Rizzo will explain what virtual reality is and how it can be used for therapeutic purposes. A number of previews from existing VR applications will be shown.

In this series, you will learn about the existing and future clinical applications of VR. In this third and last masterclass of the series, Skip Rizzo talks about how virtual reality can be used to reduce chronic pain, improve mindfulness, and how VR can be helpful in the diagnostic process of ADHD.

In this roleplay, prof. dr. Anthony Bateman demonstrates how to help clients feel at ease in an online MBT session.

In this demonstration Haim Weinberg en Bram van der Boom provide insight into online psychodinamic group therapy. The course of the group dynamics is illustrated as well as how to adequately intervene online using imagination, and by specifically pointing out patients' facial and other non-verbal expressions. Adequate handling of technical difficulties during group session is addressed as well as a clear example of online co-therapist cooperation (min. 17-18).

In this roleplay, psychotherapist Remco van der Wijngaart demonstrates the chair excercise using three different chairs and client roles. He also shows how to do this technique online.

This demonstration of online psychodynamic group therapy by Haim Weinberg en Bram van der Boom illustrates the course of the group dynamics. They also show how to adequately intervene through more extensive application of imagination and by specifically pointing out patients' facial expressions.

In this demonstration you can experience the safe place exercise and learn to apply this exercise in session. This exercise is geared towards helping clients obtain a strong sense of safety.

In this role-play, José Verpoort works with a patient suffering from depression. José demonstrates how she deals with anxiety symptoms that show up in the patient during their first session together.

In this first session of the Trauma Tapes, Prof. Dr. Berthold Gersons meets Victoria and her partner. He explains to them what PTSD is and how it has changed her view of herself, others and the world. -Dutch with English subtitles-

In this second MDFT session with the family alone expert Howard Liddle brings it all together by helping the family to express themselves in a constructive way.

In this presentation, Esther Grootenboer provides a comprehensive overview of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

First session with Marieke – Marieke struggles with feelings of envy, an emotion she feels deeply ashamed of. While acknowledging it is already a step forward, she usually tries to suppress these feelings. In this session, Les Greenberg helps her explore where this envy stems from and how it impacts her daily life.

In this introduction, David Bernstein and Limor Navot explain how forensic schema therapy was developed, how it works, the research supporting it, and how therapists apply it in practice.

The session includes exploration of barriers (coping modes) to the Young One (Vulnerable Child mode), leading to a rapid shift to (or breaking into) a vigorous, life-filled Healthy Adult state full of vitality and feeling of expansiveness. Topics of grounding, co-regulation and object permanence are touched upon in the session.

In this roleplay, prof. dr. David Bernstein en Limor Navot demonstrate dealing with the 'detached mode' as part of borderline personality disorder using schematherapeutic techniques.

In this demonstration you can experience the safe place exercise and learn to apply this exercise in session. This exercise is geared towards helping clients obtain a strong sense of safety.

With Joy Oonk

During the Grief Tapes we focus on recognizing and treating grief. In this studio series you will see how Prof. Dr. Paul Boelen treats a patient and how exposure can help with grief.

Femke has PTSD, early childhood trauma, low self-image and avoidant traits.

Prof. Dr. Kees Korrelboom is the originator of Competitive Memory Training (COMET), a technique that has been proven to be effective with clients suffering from persistent low self-esteem. With this technique, memories are re-experienced which activate the positive qualities of the client.

This role-play shows how a group member steers the bus, toward her values despite distracting thoughts.

Lauren Aron, a psychotherapist specializing in eating disorders, discusses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and its application in treating conditions like anorexia nervosa. She shares insights on dietary guidance, emphasizing portion control and meal frequency. The session includes a case study and highlights the importance of psychoeducation, addressing body image issues, and developing long-term recovery strategies. Safety in therapy and the need for structured treatment plans are also emphasized.

This e-learning is based on a webinar by prof. dr. Sue Johnson and Karin Wagenaar. During this e-learning, you will learn more about guiding Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) in an online setting. The speakers will give a solid foundation of theory and practical examples which you can use in your own therapy.

This e-learning is based on a webinar with dr. Guy Diamond, dr. Suzanne Levy, and Christel Bouwens. In this e-learning, you will learn more about Attachment Based Family Treatment. You will also be given examples from theory and practice that you can use in your own therapy with clients.

With Pieternel Dijkstra, Aerjen Tamminga, and Bram van der Boom

In this roleplay Dr. Suzanne Levy shows how to discuss the attachment problems underlying behavioral problems of the adolescent. The roleplay involves a conversation between father, son and mother with the therapist in the lead.

How do you create a positive bond between yourself and your partner? In this video, the first two stages of EFT are explained and illustrated through a demonstration. Afterwards, Dr. Marlene Best and Dr. Sue Johnson discuss the therapy session with each other, so you can get some tips from it as well.

Embracing uncertainty in order to overcome despair: An experiential-existential point of view This keynote delves into the profound experience of certainty and its inevitable counterpart, uncertainty. When certainty dissolves, we often face existential crises—fear, despair, and isolation. As we confront global challenges like climate change, this uncertainty can feel overwhelming. But there is a paradoxical path to resilience: by deeply rooting ourselves in existence and embracing the uncertainties that threaten us, we can find new meaning, courage, and wisdom. Discover how connecting beyond ourselves can empower us to face the state of our world with bravery.

In this second session, Gus reflects on the first session and shares how it impacted him. Together with Dr. Leanne Campbell, he explores his relationship with his parents, particularly his mother, who passed away at a young age. This session focuses on how this loss and other significant dilemmas have played a role in shaping Gus's identity.

In this session, Dr. Leanne Campbell delves deeper into the third phase of the Tango, emphasizing the importance of dealing with grief and loss in the context of trauma. She discusses how these themes are approached in EFIT and highlights how growth is an ongoing process. Nina is encouraged not only to process her loss but also to embrace the journey toward personal development and resilience, which are central to EFIT.