A schema mode is the set of schemas (adaptive and/or maladaptive) that are currently active for an individual. A dysfunctional schema mode is activated when specific maladaptive schemas or coping responses have erupted into distressing emotions and self-defeating behaviors that take over and control an individual’s functioning.
Child Modes
Vulnerable Child: As children, we are inherently vulnerable. Our physical vulnerability may diminish as we grow, but our emotional vulnerability never leaves us. This mode refers to our perpetual inner child that retains the capacity to feel vulnerable. This mode is at the core of schema therapy and is the most important.
Angry Child: This mode is activated when we sense that the needs of the vulnerable child have not been met. The function of this mode is to get noticed by others (using anger to draw attention).
Maladaptive Coping Modes
Perfectionistic Overcompensator: This mode refers to the drive to be perfect in everything so that we don’t show our vulnerability to others.
Suspicious Overcontroller: This mode refers to the drive to look for threats toward our vulnerability. It may manifest as hypervigilance, contingency planning, making all the decisions, or using rituals/repetitive behaviors to feel like we are coping.
Self-Aggrandizer: This mode refers to the drive to emphasize or exaggerate positive qualities or abilities to deflect attention away from our vulnerability.
Bully/Attack: This mode refers to our offensive drive to lash out at others so we look better in comparison or they back off.
Detached Protector: This mode refers to psychological avoidance where we detach from our feelings and what is going on around us so that we don’t have to feel our vulnerability.
Avoidant Protector: This mode refers to behavioral avoidance where we will not show up to places, events, or see people that we fear may trigger our vulnerability.
Angry Protector: This mode refers to our defensive drive to use of displays of aggression to keep people from getting close.
Complaining Protector: This mode refers to our drive to attribute blame on others so we don’t have to take responsibility for our own actions. This allows us to avoid feeling vulnerable because nothing is ever our fault.
Detached Self-Soother: This mode refers to our drive to do or use something that either takes away the pain of vulnerability or makes us feel something else.
Complaint Surrenderer: This mode refers to giving up or giving in to our schema beliefs. We stop fighting, we stop avoiding, and just go along with it as true.
Parent Modes
Demanding Parent: The voice in our head that is pushing us to do better, try harder, be perfect, and never fail.
Punitive Parent: The voice in our head that puts us down, berates us, and tells us we are worthless, unlovable, or a failure.
Healthy Modes
Happy Child: This mode activates when our emotional needs are being met and serves as the source of fun and spontaneity in our lives by making time for enjoyable activities.
Healthy Adult: This mode acts as a stage director for all of the modes. It makes skillful coping choices, shuts down the parent modes, prioritizes the child modes, and promotes self-esteem.