January 29, 2005
Reflecting
I am spending the weekend with a kind, smart and lovely man, Jeffrey Young, The Schema Theory Afficionado.
Schema Theory is based on extensive research with thousands of neurotic New Yorkers, Dutch, Norwegians etc. The idea is that most people develop one or many of eighteen maladaptive schema (popularly known as lifetraps) during childhood and adolescence, and use those schema as a lens through which to view the world forever after. You can probably surmise that such distortions cause repeating difficulties, unwise choices, and often leave a person bogged down without knowing exactly why. Jeffrey Young has a very good way of getting to the bottom of it.
One of the most wonderful things about Schema Theory is that you can identify your own personal schema all by yourself, using a handy questionnaire. Of course, a warm theraputic relationship adds a great deal to the process of changing some of the old patterns once identified, but, should you be without one of those, you could get a major start, right on line, or by reading "Reinventing Your Life", the amateur's guide.
Unfortunately, I must rush off to the conference, stay tuned for an indepth personal account of Dakota's schematized psyche. I know you just can't wait . I hope I get to it.
Photo note: Just one of those multidimensional reflections I love. This one has both snow and flowers.
Posted by Dakota at January 29, 2005 06:14 AM