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ISST Education & Training Basic Diploma in Schema TherapyFor Schema Therapy Informed Counseling Develop your understanding of schema therapy and learn to integrate its concepts and interventions into your work with individual clients. Explore the Basic Diploma pathway and download the requirements, curriculum guidance and application documents. For training beginning on or after 1 November 2026Bringing schema therapy into your professional practiceThe ISST Basic Diploma is intended for qualified professionals in psychology, allied health and counselling fields who meet the academic, clinical and professional eligibility requirements. Applicants must be permitted to work with individual clients within their professional competence and the regulations of their country. The pathway combines an ISST-approved curriculum with supervised practice, self-therapy and an independent assessment of a recorded session. Training covers schema theory and case conceptualisation, the therapeutic relationship, cognitive and experiential techniques, and their application in challenging situations. Before enrolling, please read the full requirements carefully. These include a relevant Master's degree, prior training in psychopathology, evidence of previous clinical supervision and at least two years of experience working with clients in individual sessions. Scope of the diploma: Basic Diploma holders may apply schema therapy interventions in individual sessions within their professional competence. The Basic Diploma does not qualify holders to teach schema therapy, run training programmes, rate sessions or provide supervision. Documents & downloadsStart with the requirements to check your eligibility and understand the diploma pathway. Use the accompanying documents to explore the training structure, prepare your application and complete the problem analysis for your session assessment.
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Start here Basic Diploma requirementsRead the eligibility criteria and complete diploma requirements, including approved training, supervision, self-therapy, independent session assessment, application procedures and ongoing membership. Download requirements
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Appendix A · Training guidance Recommended training structureExplore the recommended four-workshop curriculum, covering schema therapy foundations, the therapeutic relationship and imagery rescripting, chair dialogues and behavioural change, and difficult situations or specific settings. Download training structure
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Your application Application formRecord your professional qualifications, prior clinical training and experience, completed diploma training, supervision and session rating. Includes an attachment list and instructions for completing the application. Download application form
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Appendix B · Session assessment Problem Analysis formDescribe the client's main problem, associated memories and schemas, activated modes, typical responses and therapeutic goals. This form must accompany the session recording submitted to your independent rater. Download Problem Analysis formPreparing your applicationOnce you have met the eligibility, training, supervision, self-therapy and assessment requirements, complete the application form and gather your supporting documents. Include your ISST membership number and the confirmations provided by your supervisor and independent rater. Applications are processed centrally by the ISST, checked for completeness and forwarded to the relevant Specialty Coordinator for review. Please follow the submission instructions on the ISST Certification Process page. If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility criteria, seek clarification before enrolling in training or applying for the diploma. |
©2021 International Society of Schema Therapy e.V.
International Society of Schema Therapy e.V. is a not-for-profit organization, Germany
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