Healthy Modes

Core emotional needs in schema therapy are the basic psychological and emotional requirements that every child needs to develop healthily and happily.

• Secure attachment. This means feeling safe, protected, loved, and valued by others, especially the primary caregivers. Children who have secure attachment develop trust, confidence, and empathy. 
• Autonomy, competence, and identity. This means having a sense of independence, self-reliance, and self-esteem. Children who have autonomy, competence, and identity learn to explore their environment, express their opinions, make choices, and cope with challenges. 
• Freedom to express valid needs and emotions. This means being able to communicate one’s feelings, thoughts, and desires without fear of rejection, criticism, or punishment. Children who have freedom to express valid needs and emotions develop emotional awareness, regulation, and assertiveness. 
• Spontaneity and play. This means having opportunities to enjoy oneself, have fun, and be creative. Children who have spontaneity and play develop curiosity, imagination, and joy. 
• Realistic limits and self-control. This means having clear and consistent boundaries that guide one’s behavior and foster responsibility and respect. Children who have realistic limits and self-control learn to follow rules, cooperate with others, and delay gratification. 

Schema therapy aims to help people meet their core emotional needs in healthy ways by changing their schemas and coping styles.