Couples Training Program

SCHEMA THERAPY FOR COUPLES CERTIFICATION COURSEWORK

Revolutionize Your Approach to Couples Therapy with Schema Therapy for Couples Training

Master Innovative Techniques and Transform the Lives of Your Most Challenging Couples
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Harness the Power of Schema Therapy: Transform Your Couples Practice Today

Schema Therapy for Couples Training – Navigating the complexities of challenging couples can be daunting. The negative patterns, the rigid reactions, the ‘raw spots’ – all can derail even the most sincere efforts of couples therapists. Especially when dealing with couples where one or both partners bear the burden of personality disorders, you need something different – something more potent.

Enter Schema Therapy

Developed as an all-encompassing therapeutic model, Schema Therapy equips you with the tools and techniques to effect profound changes in ingrained character aspects often associated with personality disorders. This model, validated and successful in transforming the lives of those with personality disorders, including Borderline Personality Disorder, is now geared towards enhancing your effectiveness as a couples therapist.

Our Schema Therapy training beautifully complements your existing work with couples. Whether you’re using Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Imago Therapy, or another approach, Schema Therapy bolsters and expands your skill set. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to the field, our training offers an integrative approach that will propel your practice to new heights.

By adopting Schema Therapy, you embrace significant advancements in couples therapy, including:

  • Empirically validated and reliable assessment tools to identify specific problem areas swiftly
  • Conceptualization tools to develop targeted treatment plans with specific strategies and techniques
  • Multiple change strategies to tackle even the most complicated couples and track quantifiable progress

The Schema Therapy Training Center (STTC) proudly offers the complete 30-hour workshop training portion online, meeting the criteria for Certification as an Advanced Schema Couples Therapist by the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST). 

Our 11-session course covers the five Modules of Schema Couples Therapy, including:

  • Extensive Assessment Tools
  • Therapeutic Relationship Strategies
  • Intervention and Change Strategies
  • Solidifying Change and Preventing Relapse
  • Treating Difficult Couples

Upon course completion, you’ll be well on your path to achieving certification as a Schema Couples Therapist. STTC is committed to assisting you on this transformative journey.

Our training program features:

  • Small-size workshops in intimate break-out rooms, connecting you with peers from around the globe
  • Free listing on our website as a resource to help promote yourself, your practice, or area of focus, when available
  • Complimentary access to our resources to facilitate connections with fellow Schema Couples Therapy trainees for mutual support during your development.

Embrace the Future of Schema Therapy For Couples Training Today!

Schema Therapy for Couples Training

Course content

  • Identify the schemas of each partner, and define the default relationship mode cycle
  • Use assessment inventories: YSQ-3, YPI, SMI, BDI, BAI, DAS, WC, etc.
  • Conceptualize schemas and the default mode cycle
  • Link childhood wounds and maladaptive relationship patterns to the current relationship, and identify the strengths of the relationship
  • Introduce Schema Flashcard, Mode Mapping, Mode Clash Card, Needs vs. Wants Tool
  • Identify Schema Chemistry and schema clashes
  • Assess the degree of passion, romance, intimacy, and sexual satisfaction
  • Determine if any complicating factors (levels of commitment, individual past trauma or disorders, injuries in the relationship, etc.) and/or contraindications (active affairs, addictions, patterns of violence, etc.)
  • Find supplemental resources or treatment, as needed
  • Create “Needs Value Map”
  • Identify vision of the relationship: goals, dreams, mission, desired legacy
  • Establish goals of treatment, and set the time frame

  • Create and maintain a secure therapeutic bond
  • Practice “empathic confrontation,” as needed
  • Use therapeutic self-disclosure
  • Intervene when the therapist’s own schemas and modes are activated in-session
  • Differentiate between the “wants” and “needs” of the therapist and the couple
  • Repair ruptures in the therapeutic relationship
  • Discuss ethics and confidentiality concerns with the couple (disclosures, consultations with other therapists, conflicts of interest, confidentiality issues, etc.)

  • Connecting Dialogues: provide antidotes to schemas and maladaptive modes by identifying and expressing (1) core emotions (2) urges to cope. Next, use adaptive coping modes to invite the partner to meet needs
  • Chair Work: use mode dialogues to address the mode cycle and schemas
  • Imagery Rescripting: identify childhood origins of schemas, link to current relationship, create an antidote to schema origins while deepening emotional depth and increasing emotional connection
  • Use tools to shift clashes: Mode Clash Cards, Schema Flashcards, Meta-perspective, “Needs vs. Wants” tool, etc. 
  • Couples Toolbox: assign homework to solidify work in-between sessions

  • Develop a language for a deeper emotional connection
  • Build shared meaning in roles, rituals, goals, values, and dreams
  • Create a shared narrative of the couple’s story, including the desired legacy
  • Build and sustain mutually satisfying passion, romance, intimacy, and sexual satisfaction, and address any sexual dysfunctions
  • Solidify mode cycles to create antidotes to schemas with interactions involving (a.) self-and-partner soothing (b.) inviting bids (c.) successful repairs (d.) stance of curiosity and acceptance

  • Address and heal relationship injuries (affairs, betrayals, other significant injuries)
  • Confront addictions, aggressive modes, and patterns of physical violence
  • Treat couples with survivors of childhood trauma (sexual, emotional, physical) 
  • Treat specific personality disorders in a couple (BPD, NPD, OCPD, Avoidant, Antisocial, etc.)

FALL 2026 PROGRAMS
Image of Travis Atkinson, the co-founder of schema therapy for couples.

Travis Atkinson

Founder + Trainer

FALL 2026 33-Hour Course Dates Are:

SEPT: 9. 30
OCT: 7, 14, 21, 28
NOV: 4, 11, 18
DEC: 2, 16

Time: 11 am – 2 pm Eastern Time

  • 33 hours of coursework completes all ISST requirements
  • Access to recordings for at least 1 year after training ends
  • Certification of Completion
  • Global community of peers to learn from and share experiences
  • Access on your favorite device


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COUPLES PROGRAM TUITION

Couples Program


Start your learning journey today! Enroll now in our online course.

Dive Deeply into the World of Couples Therapy: Expand Your Skillset and Make Lasting Change!


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