Not a one-size-fits-all approach: Exploring cultural responsiveness in Schema Therapy

This thesis explored cultural responsiveness in Schema Therapy (ST); a Western-developed psychotherapy used worldwide. Findings indicated that while clinicians and clients appreciated ST’s flexibility, concerns emerged regarding its cultural fit, with core concepts and techniques sometimes clashing with non-Western values. Schema therapists also reported uncertainty about their efficacy in providing culturally responsive care. While clinicians’ multicultural counselling self-efficacy were found to be comparable across modalities, current findings suggest that schema therapists may face unique culture-specific challenges. Overall, this thesis indicates that ST is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and schema therapists require systemic support in providing culturally responsive practice.