How is schema therapy different from CBT?

Written By Peter Walker

By Peter Walker

CBT focuses mainly on present-day thoughts and behaviours and is usually shorter in duration. Schema therapy uses many of the same tools. It also spends more time on establishing where a pattern came from, uses more emotion-focused and experiential techniques, and places more emphasis on the therapy relationship as a source of change.

Many people start with CBT and move to schema therapy if long-standing patterns remain.

Schema therapy is often longer than traditional CBT because it works with patterns that have been in place for many years. Some people focus on one or two schemas over several months. People with more complex difficulties may attend sessions for a  longer period. Your psychologist will agree a plan with you and review progress along the way.

Can I claim Medicare for schema therapy?

You may be able to claim a Medicare rebate if you have a referral, usually a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP. Under the Better Access initiative, Medicare covers up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year.

Because schema therapy often runs longer than 10 sessions, many people combine rebated sessions with private health insurance extras cover or self-funded sessions. Our team can explain fees when you get in touch.

Schema therapy in Randwick, Marrickville and by telehealth

Our Randwick practice is at 209a Avoca Street, close to Coogee, Maroubra, Clovelly, Bondi, Bondi Junction and Paddington in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. Our Marrickville practice is at Suite 3.03, 18-30 Faversham Street, a short trip from Newtown, Summer Hill, Leichhardt, Ashfield, Alexandria and Burwood in the Inner West.

If getting to either practice is hard, every clinician on our team also provides telehealth appointments, and we recommend video over phone. Imagery and chair work adapt well to video sessions, so schema therapy can continue around work, family and travel.

If you're wondering whether schema therapy is right for you, you can get in touch with our team to ask a question or book an appointment.

Frequently asked questions

  • Schema therapy helps you understand and change enduring patterns of behaviour that began early in life and still shape how you feel, think and relate to people today.

  • Schema therapy grew out of CBT and uses many of its tools. It usually has a greater focus on the developmental origins of a pattern, makes greater use of experiential techniques such as imagery rescripting, and can be often a longer-term approach.

  • Yes. We provide schema therapy by video telehealth as well as in person at Randwick and Marrickville.

  • You don't need a referral to book privately. To claim a Medicare rebate you will need a referral, usually a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP.

  • Your psychologist will work this out with you in the first sessions, using conversation and questionnaires such as the Young Schema Questionnaire.

  • Yes. Although schema therapy was developed for adults, adapted versions are used with adolescents, so talk with our team about what suits your young person.

To find out more, refer a client or make an appointment, visit our website or contact our team today.

Disclaimer

This article is general information only. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified health professional about your own situation. Medicare details are current as at October 2026 and can change. If you are in crisis or worried about your safety, call 000, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

References

Peter Walker
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