Introducing Schema Therapy and Its Clinical Application in Assessing and Engaging Aggressive or Violent Offenders

Research on schema therapy (ST) is presented linking aggression and violence to early maladaptive schemas and modes. The chapter introduces the applicability of schemas and forensic modes through a case presentation highlighting some of the issues that are vital to the early stages of engagement and assessment. The case is conceptualized through a mode map that helps facilitate patients’ understanding of the model and can become an important framework for the subsequent treatment. ST offers promising results working within forensic contexts or with clients with aggressive or violent behaviors; however, research is still scarce when looking specifically at violence.