The Schema Therapeutic Mode Cycle in Behavior Therapy Supervision

Background: Reflecting the relationship between therapist and patient is a core issue in supervision and requires a conceptualization of the characterological problems and their interactional consequences. The mode map gives such a concept and the mode cycle flashcard helps analyzing interactional cycles and resolving them. Method: This paper describes the mode cycle concept as a common sense psychological construct independent from its roots in schema therapy. Thus, it can be integrated in a general behavior therapy training helping supervisees accessing the motivational background of their patients' behavior. Possible mode cycles are described and consequences for the supervision process and distinctions to self-therapy are outlined. Results: For the supervisees, this procedure can provide minimal access to the motivational level of the patients and enable the therapist to develop a motive-oriented relationship design, instead of being caught up in mode cycles on the coping level. Conclusions: Applying the mode map and mode cycle can broaden the therapeutic perspective and behavior analysis towards internal motives, improve the therapeutic relationship between the doctor and the patient, and help avoiding dysfunctional interaction patterns.