The understanding of the impact of the early maladaptive schemes, through the theory of the schemes, for optimization of the trauma treatments

Abstract

The importance of trauma in the formation of early maladaptive schemes has been extensively mentioned in the literature. This study sought to address the importance of this understanding, through the theory of schemes, to contribute to the clinical work with patients, victims of traumas and undergoing exposure therapy of memories, as PTSD protocols. A review of articles and book chapters in Portuguese and English literature in the period of 1976 to 2013 was performed. The found results indicate significant contributions in the junction of the technique of reworking the images, arising from the Scheme therapy to the exposure therapy. One understands the importance of this connection approaches to the breakup of dysfunctional cognitive patterns and of restructuring of the traumatic memories.