Author(s)

Sebastian Salicru

PTS Psychology, Canberra, Australia.

This conceptual paper presents the Healthy Adult mode in Schema Therapy using the octopus metaphor. As a relatively new form of integrative psychotherapy, Schema Therapy has in recent times become increasingly popular among psychotherapists, as a preferred transdiagnostic treatment approach. Schema Therapy, however, is not free from theoretical criticisms and practical challenges. The aim of this article is twofold. First, to offer clients a simple, pictorial, creative, powerful, and memorable metaphor that they can use to develop and strengthen their Healthy Adult mode as a positive psychological intervention to achieve their goals. Second, to present a parsimonious, creative, and flexible model, aligned with the integrative psychotherapy tradition, for psychotherapists to blend into their own style and practice. Drawing on relevant theoretical and empirical findings, and taking a scientist-practitioner stance, this article unpacks the therapeutic factors and mechanisms of change embedded in the use of metaphor, and how they can be integrated into Schema Therapy. The article elucidates the psychological linkages between theory and practice, and highlights the corresponding outcomes and benefits for clients. Thereby, it contributes to the multiple nuances and versions of Schema Therapy and integrative psychotherapy.

Schema Therapy, Metaphor, Octopus, Integrative Psychotherapy, Transdiagnostic Treatment

Salicru, S. (2023) The Healthy Adult in Schema Therapy: Using the Octopus Metaphor. Psychology, 14, 932-951. doi: 10.4236/psych.2023.146050.