Schema therapy is a therapeutic modality, that incorporates techniques and concepts from different therapeutic schools. It is an evidence-based approach, having as its founder Jeffrey Young. The concept of a schema can be looked at as a specific way in which an individual has internalised an experience, which can be both positive or negative in its nature.

Imagine a schema as a sensitive area on your arm, and every single time someone touches or gets a hold of your arm, that area becomes painful. Whenever we encounter situations that bare a resemblance to events from our past, our schemas become active, and they determine a certain behavioural response aimed at counterbalancing the effect of the schema being triggered. Such behavioural or attitudinal response is called a mode.