Meaning of schema therapy

Schema therapy is one of today’s most popular and effective psychotherapeutic approaches, which proposes that our childhood experiences and early life events shape our thinking and behavior in adulthood. This approach helps identify and understand the negative, unconsciously repeated thinking and behavioral patterns (so-called schemas) that formed in the past and may contribute to psychological difficulties in the present. The therapist supports clients in exploring these deeply rooted patterns. The goal of the therapy is for clients to develop new, healthier coping strategies, improve their ability to meet their emotional needs, and ultimately build inner calm and a sense of satisfaction.

 

 

 

When is schema therapy recommended?

Schema therapy is particularly recommended for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complaints when TMJ physiotherapy alone results only in moderate improvement or when the improvement does not remain long-lasting. If TMJ-related symptoms keep returning from time to time, chronic stress or anxiety is likely to be in the background.

Common signs include: suppressing emotions “with all your might,” repeatedly replaying events, and ruminating about what you should have done differently. In such cases, teeth clenching is a physical stress response, which means that TMJ physiotherapy serves only as a supplementary treatment, while psychotherapy becomes the primary form of therapy. As long as the internal emotional “tension” does not ease, TMJ physiotherapy can only reduce symptoms, although it remains essential for achieving complete symptom relief. When combined with TMJ physiotherapy, schema therapy effectively reduces the symptoms of TMJ dysfunction and makes the achieved progress long-lasting.

 

 

 

How schema therapy helps?

Psychological state plays an important role in the development of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) and in the severity of its symptoms. Stress, mental exhaustion, and the internal tension caused by suppressed or unprocessed emotions can all worsen the symptoms, which is why it is recommended to address these factors as part of TMD treatment.

Accumulated tension and emotional suppression often lead to teeth clenching and muscle tightness, which can cause various symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and tinnitus. The goal of schema therapy is to help clients develop new, healthier coping strategies, improve their ability to express and meet their needs, and thereby achieve inner calm and satisfaction. As stress-management skills improve, the body’s physical stress response also changes. As a result, the buildup of tension decreases and teeth clenching may cease, which can lead to the reduction or disappearance of jaw pain, headaches, and facial pain.

 

 

 

How group therapy helps?

Group schema therapy takes place in a safe and supportive environment where participants can freely share their experiences. Speaking is not obligatory—participants may simply listen and observe others, which can aid in processing their own emotions. Everyone can engage at their own pace and take from the group what they feel comfortable with. During group sessions, participants experience that they are not alone with their difficulties. This sense of community often contributes significantly to the healing process.

 

 

 

Theme of group sessions

Within the group process, we focus on the following:

• discussing the completed Schema Questionnaire
• mapping participants’ schema modes
• conceptualizing recurring problematic situations according to schema therapy
• teaching stress-management strategies
• developing healthy coping modes through role-play and imagery exercises

 

 

Leader of the schema therapy group: Dr. András Jokán

Dr. András Jokán, psychiatrist and psychotherapist: “My desire to reduce suffering in the world goes back to my early childhood. This, along with my interest in the nature of the mind, led me to become a psychiatrist. I am constantly intrigued by the question of how to help people effectively—because change is not easy. I have explored many psychotherapeutic models, but schema therapy is the one I have delved into the most. I also consider it one of the most effective approaches.

Since 2005, I have been providing individual therapy in private practice. I gained experience with group therapy at the Psychotherapy Department of Semmelweis University’s Psychiatric Clinic and at Tündérhegy. For the past four years, I have been continuously leading a mindfulness-based meditation group.”

 

 

 

Schema therapy schedule

The 45-hour schema therapy group will start in the autumn of 2025. It will be held over 15 weeks, on Fridays, in 3-hour sessions from 10:00 to 13:00. The exact dates of the group sessions are as follows:

• September: 5, 12, 19, 26
• October: 3, 10, 17, 31
• November: 7, 14, 21, 28
• December: 5, 12, 19

 

Participation requirements

The schema therapy group is primarily intended for patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complaints. Joining the group does not require a medical diagnosis. Individuals experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, or depression may also participate; in such cases, a TMJ assessment is recommended but not mandatory.

Group size: minimum 6 participants, maximum 12 participants.

I. By registering for the group, the participant accepts and agrees to the following:

• If the participant is unable to attend a specific group session, a fee of 5,000 HUF will be charged for that session, which must be paid to the group leader.
• If a session is cancelled due to the group leader’s illness or other reasons, the group leader will arrange a replacement session.

II. By registering for the group, participants with TMJ complaints optionally agree to:

• Before the group begins, but no later than September, attend a 55-minute initial consultation, which includes a detailed medical history, TMJ and masticatory muscle examination, lifestyle advice for symptom relief, and instruction on therapeutic exercises. The price of this session is 28,000 HUF. Returning patients may opt for a 25-minute consultation, priced at 15,000 HUF.
• Attend at least one 25-minute TMJ physiotherapy session in October or November, during which previously learned exercises are reviewed, adjusted, or supplemented as necessary.
• After the completion of the group, but no later than January, attend a 25-minute closing TMJ consultation, during which—provided their condition allows—they will receive an advanced TMJ exercise routine for continued practice.

 

 

 

Schema therapy price

The price of the 15-session group program is 15,000 HUF per session, totaling 225,000 HUF. Each session lasts 3 hours and takes place weekly on Fridays from 10:00 to 13:00. The schema therapy group will begin in September 2025.

The fee for schema therapy can be paid in cash or by bank transfer; payment by bank card is not available.

Health insurance invoices can be issued for the following health funds:

• Új Pillér Health Fund
• Allianz Health Fund
• MKB Pannónia Health Fund
• Prémium Health Fund
• OTP Health Fund

The participation fee does not include:

• one 55-minute initial consultation (28,000 HUF) / 25-minute consultation for returning patients (15,000 HUF)
• one 25-minute TMJ therapy session (15,000 HUF)
• one 25-minute TMJ closing therapy session (15,000 HUF)

 

 

 

Schema therapy location

The group sessions will be held at the Temporomandibular Therapy Clinic (Állkapocsterápia Rendelő), located at: 1082 Budapest, Üllői út 60–62/B, Ground floor 1. The entrance is from Futó Street. Doorbell: 101. After entering the building, go out into the courtyard, then enter through the first doorway on the left. The clinic is on the mezzanine level, the second door on the left.

 

Schema therapy registration

By clicking the button, an application form will appear, which you can fill out to register for the schema therapy group. If you have any questions, we are available at info@allkapocsterapia.hu or by phone at +36 70 555 75 33.