Integrating Schema Therapy into Social Work Practice (FPS-CPD) - April2026

Capability Levels: Evolving and Established

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

This workshop will briefly recap the webinars, part 1 and 2, and provide opportunities for attendees to practice some of the model’s specific techniques, including storytelling, empathic confrontation and schema dialogues.

Learning Outcomes:

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

• Build upon a basic understanding of how Schema Therapy works
• Enhance clinical skills in schema conceptualisation, imagery techniques, and schema dialogues.
• Apply Schema Therapy interventions through practical exercises, group discussions, and video analysis.

Event Structure:

Introduction (10 minutes)

Learning Session 1: Introduction to the Schema Therapy model, schemas, modes, and phases (30 mins)

Learning Activity: Small group discussion and feedback

Learning Session 2: Understanding schemas through narrative (30 mins)

Learning Activity: Story analysis

Learning Session 3: Schema Conceptualisation; Using a template to understand client schemas (30 mins)

Learning Activity: Group discussion

Learning Session 4: Imagery to Strengthen Healthy Self (25 mins)

Learning Activity: Practice

Learning Session 5: Understanding and applying schema dialogues (25 mins)

Learning Activity: Group Dialogue

Q&A and Conclusion

Who should attend?

This intermediate-level workshop is designed for social workers who are already familiar with the basics of Schema Therapy and are looking to deepen their understanding and application in clinical practice. Building on foundational concepts, this session will explore more advanced elements of the Schema Therapy model, with a focus on integrating schema-informed assessment and intervention strategies into your work.

This Workshop is not recorded, however, you will have access to materials and resources on AASW Online Learning for 4 weeks after the completion of the workshop.

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.