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C4.1

Tracks
Stream C
Friday, October 30, 2026
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Overview

'A Guide to Schema coaching: Overcoming deep-seated challenges | 60 mins | How To'


Presenter

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Dr Iain Mccormick
Executive Coaching Centre

A Guide to Schema coaching: Overcoming deep-seated challenges

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM

Abstract

This session is a highly interactive practical guide on how to begin to use schema coaching in the workplace. It is based on Iain McCormick's book Schema Coaching: Overcoming Deep-seated Challenges (2025) and the 10 peer reviewed articles he has published in the area. Schema coaching, a new approach, has been developed by utilising the methods and techniques of schema therapy which have been applied to clients in the workforce. The term schema or what are called early maladaptive schema (EMS) are an organised persistent pattern of thought and behaviour that typically develops in early childhood and is self-defeating or dysfunctional. For example, a client with the unrelenting striving EMS may be a highly trained and experienced professional but despite being extremely hard working and productive they are haunted by an underlying sense that nothing they do is good or fast enough or meets their demanding internal standards. Recently the idea of positive schema has emerged which are healthy, positive core beliefs about oneself, others, and the world. Working with these beliefs assists the client to develop helpful reframing of thoughts and self-care. Schema coaching can not only assist with long standing patterns but also short term mode or mood states. A focus is placed on building the healthy adult which is the mature, balanced part of the self that nurtures the inner vulnerable child, sets limits on unproductive thinking and behaviour, and promotes overall well-being. Schema coaching systematically integrates a range of techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, attachment theory, mindfulness and gestalt therapy. This session includes a discussion on ethical considerations on who should undertake schema coaching. It also includes topics such as schema conceptualisation, psychoeducation and samples of live schema coaching. Considerable emphasis is placed on suitably trained and ethically adherent coaches staying within their scope of practice, being suitably supervised and being readily able to identify clients who need to be referred on to relevant clinical or counselling psychologists. This is a practical introduction to an evidence-based integrated approach that has been shown to be applicable to members of the workforce particularly partners of professional service firms and senior executives. Pathways for interested practitioners who want to develop further in this area will be discussed.

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Dr Iain McCormick originally trained in clinical psychology and worked in corrections. He subsequently completed a PhD in work stress, then became a consulting partner in Deloitte. Iain has now run the Executive Coaching Centre for over 25 years, has published over 100 articles and written six books. He developed Schema Coaching by utilising the approach from Schema Therapy and adapting it for workplace clients with deep seated challenges. As an award winning coach he teaches internationally in this area including in Australia, the UK, Portugal, Kenya and Hungary.
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