Schema Modes

[Before you can make things better, you have to stop making them worse...]

I’ve just discovered something really useful which has helped me to understand my ex’s mood switches. I was aware of schema therapy, but not in relation to BPD. It’s a really helpful framework which includes a concept ‘schema nodes’. Sort of different personalities in the pwBPD which represent maladaptive ways of coping. These include the abandoned child, angry child, detached protector and the punitive parent. I can think of examples that fit each of these. It really has helped. Anyone struggling to understand what the mood switches were about maybe check this out.

[Larmoyant]

I’ve just discovered something really useful which has helped me to understand my ex’s mood switches. I was aware of schema therapy, but not in relation to BPD. It’s a really helpful framework which includes a concept ‘schema nodes’. Sort of different personalities in the pwBPD which represent maladaptive ways of coping. These include the abandoned child, angry child, detached protector and the punitive parent. I can think of examples that fit each of these. It really has helped. Anyone struggling to understand what the mood switches were about maybe check this out.

[gotbushels]

Interesting. Thank you for pointing this out Larmoyant.  It seems to me an interesting way to supplement thinking about Karpman's triangle. 

[Larmoyant]

Hi gotbushels,

I think it's amazing. It's taken me a while, but all the pieces are starting to fit. Not only useful to understand his behaviour, but where I fit in. This is the best I've felt in a long while. Understanding it all is really helping me. 

[gotbushels]

Wonderful. I think I know that feeling. It's nice how the jigsaw seems to fit. Having such feelings for me was a big change to what it was like getting poked, doubted, and questioned throughout a relationship with a BP. Is that somewhat consistent with your experience?