Schema Coaching Techniques part 6: Schema homework and relapse prevention

Schema coaching, based upon schema therapy, is a highly experiential and active approach that can help coaching psychologists assist clients with deep-seated challenges. Schema coaching should only be undertaken by coaches who are suitably trained, supervised and stay within their areas of competence. This article is the sixth in a series on schema coaching and sets out two techniques: schema homework and relapse prevention. Schema homework is an evidence-based approach that assists clients to implement activities between coaching sessions to practice skills and to generalise their use to a wide range of environments. For homework to be successful, the coach needs to describe the activities clearly and with a high degree of specificity. It needs a clear rationale and to be within the immediate ability level of the client. In reviewing homework in subsequent sessions, it is important to emphasise progress as well as to learn lessons from unsuccessful activities. The second technique presented is relapse prevention that aims to reduce the re-emergence of unwanted challenges that occur after the end of coaching. This evidenced-based technique helps clients to identify high-risk situations where the re-emergence of dysfunctional behaviour is likely and then to use both cognitive and behavioural coping strategies to prevent reoccurrence. Relapse prevention includes risk management to identify upcoming challenges, withdrawal from uncontrollable events, and the proactive use of cognitive and behavioural strategies. Both techniques are important if the coaching psychologist wants to use the schema approach effectively.