Approaching Borderline Personality Patterns and Relationship Problems with Online Schema Therapy: A Case Study

Abstract

Several situations, especially the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, have obliged the implementation of online psychotherapy practices. Since such practices are becoming increasingly common, more research and case-based examples are necessary to understand their operations. This case study was presented as an example of a year-long online Schema Therapy practice. Approximately 40 sessions were held with the client who applied with relationship problems, depression, and anxiety symptoms. After evaluating the symptoms and life history, it was thought that it would be appropriate for the client to work with the Schema Therapy approach since the client had childhood traumas, problems with parents, and relationship challenges. In the study, detailed case presentation, formulation through the client's schemas and schema connections, the techniques, and the therapeutic relationship issues were analyzed. This case study provides valuable insights in terms of demonstrating the dynamics of the therapeutic alliance in online psychotherapy applications and the effectiveness of working with maladaptive schemas. In addition, the problems encountered in the online platform, the difficulties experienced while studying traumatic memories, and the limitations of the study were discussed in detail.