ABSTRACT
Introduction
Psychologists work under high emotional demands, elevated performance expectations, and intense relational labour. These pressures can be exacerbated by two early maladaptive schemas (EMS) – unrelenting standards and self-sacrifice – which respectively foster unreasonable internal standards and a tendency to prioritise others’ needs over one’s own.
Aim
This qualitative study explored how personal therapy relates to Australian psychologists’ experiences of these schemas.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 20 Australian psychologists who had previously engaged in personal therapy, with data analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
Three themes described a progression from awareness to reappraisal to practice change. First, making schemas visible captured how therapy helped participants name where patterns arise and notice their impacts on self-evaluation, boundaries, and energy. Second, reappraising the professional self involved loosening perfectionistic benchmarks, redistributing responsibility between clinician and client, and cultivating self-compassion. Third, translating insight into practice described schema-focused actions to counter pulls toward over-giving and relentless exceptionalism.
Conclusion
Findings suggest personal therapy may help psychologists recognise and respond to unrelenting standards and self-sacrifice, with implications for postgraduate training, supervision, and workforce sustainability.