Schema therapy is a form of integrative psychotherapy developed by Jeffrey E. Young for use in the treatment of personality disorders and other chronic conditions such as long-term depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Its basic assumption is that invalid assumptions and mental representations (schemas) hinder one's psychological functioning. Schema therapy aims to challenge and adjust those assumptions.

Schema therapy is an integrative psychotherapy combining original theoretical concepts and techniques with those from pre-existing models, including cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment theory, Gestalt therapy, constructivism, and psychodynamic psychotherapy.

Four main theoretical concepts in schema therapy are early maladaptive schemas (or simply schemas), coping styles, modes, and core emotional needs:

In cognitive psychology, a schema is an organized pattern of thought and behavior. It can also be described as a mental structure of preconceived ideas, a framework representing some aspect of the world, or a system of organizing and perceiving new information. In schema therapy, a schema specifically refers to an early maladaptive schema, defined as a pervasive self-defeating or dysfunctional theme or pattern of memories, emotions, and physical sensations, developed during childhood or adolescence and elaborated throughout one's lifetime. Often they have the form of beliefs about the self or the world. For instance, a person with an Abandonment schema could be hypersensitive (have an "emotional button" or "trigger") about their perceived value to others, which in turn could make them feel sad and panicky in their interpersonal relationships.

"Coping styles" are a person's behavioral responses to schemas. There are three potential coping styles:

These maladaptive coping styles (overcompensation, avoidance, or surrender) very often wind up reinforcing the schemas. Continuing the Abandonment example: having imagined a threat of abandonment in a relationship and feeling sad and panicky, a person using an avoidant coping style might then behave in ways to limit the closeness in the relationship to try to protect him/herself from being abandoned. The resulting loneliness or even actual loss of the relationship could easily reinforce the person's Abandonment schema. Another example can be given for the Defectiveness schema: A person using an avoidant coping style might avoid situations that make them feel defective, or might try to numb the feeling with addictions or distractions. People using a surrender coping style might tolerate unfair criticism without defending themselves. A person using the counterattack/overcompensation coping style might put extra effort into appearing superhuman.

"Modes" are states of mind that cluster schemas and coping styles into a temporary "way of being" that a person can shift into occasionally or more frequently. For example, a Vulnerable Child mode might be a state of mind encompassing schemas of Abandonment, Defectiveness, Mistrust/Abuse and a coping style of surrendering (to the schemas).

Some basic emotional needs that have been identified are connection, safety, validation, reciprocity, and autonomy. If a patient's core emotional needs are not met in childhood, then schemas, coping styles, and modes can develop. For example, a child with unmet needs around connection—perhaps due to parental loss to death, divorce, or addiction—might develop an Abandonment schema.