Schema therapy is an integrative therapy, combining theory and techniques from a variety of approaches, including CBT, psychodynamic therapy, gestalt therapy and the attachment theory.

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Schema therapy helps identify the origins of life-long, problematic, self-defeating psychological patterns that cause persistent problems and helps to alter them. Especially meaningful childhood experiences and unmet needs will be explored and how they still impact on life in the present. 

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An overview will be made of different modes (parent, child, maladaptive coping, healthy adult), which are predominant states we are in (with certain emotions, thoughts and behaviours) at a given point in time. Therapy will use experiential, cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal techniques to create change. Discussing early life experiences is an important part of the therapy. 

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The main goals of therapy are to identify early maladaptive schemas and schema modes; changing dysfunctional beliefs and building alternative, more helpful beliefs; creating more adaptive behaviour, life patterns and coping; and validation of emotional needs and learning how to best meet those needs.

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See also: https://www.schematherapysociety.org/schema-therapy/