Live and Online on Friday 24th April 2026 (9.30am to 12.30pm, UK time) with Louise Coates, Consultant Forensic Psychologist

Schema Therapy with LD clients – A Half-Day Exploratory Workshop

Historically, treatments for LD have often focussed on a behavioural approach, failing to fully understand or empower the client in the face of systemic discrimination and marginalisation. Common client presentations include, on the one hand, schemas and modes relating to subjugation and compliance; and on the other, understandable, uncontained anger and so-called ‘challenging behaviours’. In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to learn about how schema therapy concepts and methods of change can provide a more holistic and needs-led approach with these clients. The workshop will be highly interactive, with a balance of teaching, case formulation and practical strategies.  

By the end of the day you will have an understanding of / skills in:

·         Core Unmet Needs in LD Clients 

·         Common Schema and Modes: the Imprint of ‘being different’ and Disempowered

·         The Therapy Relationship: a Safe and Empowering Foundation

·         Fine-Tuning Core Schema Therapy Methods for LD – Reparenting, Imagery and ChairWork

·         Treatment and Service Planning– working systemically with LD clients, aided by a mode formulation

The workshop is suitable for anyone who has previously attended an introductory schema therapy workshop but also for those who are more experienced in ST. 

 About the trainer:

Louise Coates (Consultant Forensic Psychologist) has extensive experience of using schema therapy in forensic settings, developing trauma-led services and also supervising and training forensic psychologists. Louise is former Committee Member of the BPS Division of Forensic Psychology and published widely in the field.