Expanding Practice - Embracing Schema Therapy in Social Work Practice (FPS-CPD) - March2026

Capability Levels: Evolving and Established

This webinar is NOT RECORDED

More and more Social Workers are moving into the territory of psychotherapy, once primarily the tightly held domain of psychologists.

Schema theory and the associated therapy is innovative and integrative. It was founded by Jeff Young and his colleagues, including Aaron Beck, in the 1990s. It is a value rich model and fits well with the AASW Code of Ethics (2010) and Practice Standards (2013). This webinar will provide an introduction to the theory and practice model in order to demonstrate how Schema Therapy is worthy of pursuing as AMHSWs and Clinical Social Workers.

Schema Therapy has recently been recognised in Australian psychological circles for meeting the Continuing Professional Development criteria for Focussed Psychological Strategies. AMHSWs, in comparison to psychologists as psychotherapists, are slowly starting to see the benefit of becoming educated and certified in this well-researched, effective practice approach.

Who should attend?

This webinar is for all social workers who are interested in Schema Therapy and may have opportunities to use it in their practice. It will provide a foundational understanding of the theory and practice model, and some basic schema informed assessment skills they can begin to implement in their clinical work.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• History of schema therapy and how the core model works
• Stages of therapy in the model
• Unique features of schema therapy
• Case conceptualisations from a schema perspective

Event Structure:

Introduction

Learning Session: Schema Therapy Model

Learning Activity: Group Exercise: Safety Bubble & Technique Demo

Learning Session: Schema Mode Model

Learning Activity: Group Exercise: The Swing

Learning Session: Schema Healing

Learning Activity: Practical Application

Conclusion + Q&A

AASW Credentials: Mental Health (FPS), Clinical

FPS skills training and psycho-education will be incorporated in this workshop and falls under a. Psycho-education & e.i Skills Training of Medicare schedule (https://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=note&q=MN.7.4&qt=noteID&criteria=MN%2E7%2E4)

In the event of an audit, it is the member’s responsibility to clearly demonstrate how this FPS training is relevant to the delivery of FPS in their specific work context.