In this webinar, Dr David Hegarty and Dr Carla Smyth show how contemporary research has informed new schema constructs important to psychological therapy.
The session introduces the Maladaptive Schema Scales (MSS). Clinicians can explore practical strategies for understanding and interpreting MSS results, translating schemas into case formulations, and using insights to enhance client self-awareness and therapeutic outcomes. This webinar is suitable for psychologists and mental health clinicians who want to understand more about this contemporary schema assessment tool and its clinical applications.
Format: 1 hour 10 minute video recording and slides
The Maladaptive Schema Scale (MSS) is designed to assess problematic schemas in clinical populations and inform case conceptualisations for adults experiencing a range of mental health problems, particularly those with complex issues such as personality pathology, interpersonal difficulties, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a history of abuse.
Schemas have long been a staple of psychological therapy, defined as pervasive patterns of thoughts, behaviours and emotions.
Early maladaptive schemas were first described by Jeffery Young in the 1990s, but some 30 years after their development a wealth or research relevant to schemas has been conducted, including on attachment, trauma and identity.
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the theoretical, clinical and psychometric foundations of the Maladaptive Schema Scale (MSS).
2. Identify the evolution of schema research, and how the MSS builds on traditional schema assessment tools such as the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ).
3. Learn how the MSS provides a comprehensive framework for understanding clients by assessing 27 schemas, integrating both traditional early maladaptive schemas and additional schemas based on contemporary research.
4. Confidently interpret MSS results, including use of clinical cut-offs and conceptual models, to inform case formulation and treatment planning.
5. Integrate the MSS into clinical practice across multiple therapeutic modalities, including Schema Therapy, CBT, and EMDR.
6. Apply MSS assessment findings to guide formulation, treatment targets, monitor progress, and enhance client self-awareness and engagement.
Dr David Hegarty works to translate scientific literature into useful metrics for clinicians. With a PhD in computerised adaptive cognitive training he uses his deep understanding of statistics and data analytics to synthesise novel approaches to psychometric assessment.
Dr. Carla Smyth is a practising clinical psychologist with a background in community mental health and private practice. She is passionate about integrating evidence-based tools into clinical practice and is a strong advocate for routine outcome monitoring. In her dual role as a clinician and researcher, Carla connects the worlds of frontline practice and psychometric assessment. Her hands-on experience with clients informs her contributions to NovoPsych, ensuring that its tools are both practical and impactful, to ease the pressures on clinicians while enhancing therapeutic outcomes.