Group schema therapy for adolescents and children: A protocol that takes an innovative approach to wise and competent mode development

Background: Based on the protocol validated on adult populations, but also on the intervention directions proposed by the literature, we outlined a working protocol for children and adolescents based on the Schema Therapy model. The need for such an approach is highlighted by the lack of validation of the Schema Therapy protocol for children and adolescents to date, and the limitations of existing psychotherapeutic interventions. Aims: Thus, this paper presents an intervention protocol based on a developed version of the Schema Therapy model for children and adolescents, which will be tested in a controlled, quasi-experimental, cluster-randomised study. Method: The theoretical and conceptual novelty and creativity of this protocol lies in the structuring of the skills and competencies that children need to develop in order to strengthen the Wise and Competent Mode in 12 categories and their integration within the protocol. These categories, together with the other modes of Schema Therapy, have been translated into a set of cards, representing a tool that will be integrated in the application of the protocol.The study will involve 60 children aged 10 to 12 years, with typical development, who will be divided into two groups: the one that will benefit from the implementation of the ST-CA protocol and the control group that will be put on a waiting list. A set of questionnaires will be administered before and after the intervention in order to assess its impact. The intervention will involve 25 sessions, each lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes, delivered weekly.Results: after participating in this program, children will develop their emotional intelligence. Conclusion: the study promotes a psychotherapeutic alternative for all those working in this field.