What are Schema and How do They Impact Mind and Body | Essential Counselor Webinar
youtu.be
Dr. Donnelly Snipes' series of presentations delve into the concept of SCHEMA and their profound impact on individuals' mental health, particularly concerning anxiety, depression, and stress responses. SCHEMA are mental shortcuts formed from past experiences that help predict future events and ensure safety. However, negative schemas, especially those stemming from trauma, can lead to chronic stress and a perception of the world as unsafe. Dr. Snipes discusses the formation of SCHEMA through various interactions, such as with healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and animals, and how these can influence future expectations and behaviors. The importance of adjusting SCHEMA to avoid cognitive distortions and 'all or nothing' thinking is emphasized, especially for those with trauma histories. Dr. Snipes also explores the role of caregivers in shaping children's SCHEMA, highlighting the need for responsive and empathetic caregiving to foster a sense of security and accurate mental frameworks. The presentations cover the challenges of modifying SCHEMA, the importance of distress tolerance skills, and the need for caregivers to adapt their SCHEMA as children grow. Dr. Snipes suggests journaling and reflection to process and evaluate SCHEMA, and the importance of updating SCHEMA with new information to avoid outdated perceptions, such as those related to medical diagnoses. The influence of conflicting or inaccurate information on SCHEMA formation is discussed, along with the role of caregivers, community, and social media in shaping these mental frameworks. Dr. Snipes also addresses the practical applications of a bachelor's degree in psychology, the anticipation of the counseling compact, and the identification of SCHEMA in action, such as in addictive behaviors. The series concludes with a focus on the importance of distinguishing between feelings and factual evidence, and an upcoming Q&A session on 'doomscrolling'.
Dr. Donnelly Snipes' series of presentations delve into the concept of SCHEMA and their profound imp