Schema therapy is an integrative approach to treat patients with personality disorders and other complex psychological problems. Group schema therapy has been developed to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of schema therapy by providing a supportive and stimulating environment for change. This article introduces the River of Life Method, a novel technique for facilitating group schema therapy, based on the metaphor of a river of life. The method helps patients to identify and modify their maladaptive schemas and modes in a nurturing process in the group. The article describes the theoretical background, the practical steps, and the clinical applications of the method. It also presents the patients' experience with the method, based on their feedback and self-reports. The results showed that the method was well received by both patients and therapists, and that it had positive effects on schema modes, psychological distress, and coping with adversities and hope for the future.

Department of Health Psychology Faculty of Public Health Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Lithuania

Department of Psychiatry Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Palacky University in Olomouc Czech Republic

Department of Psychological Sciences Faculty of Social Sciences and Health Care Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra Slovak Republic

Department of Psychotherapy Institute for Postgraduate Training in Health Care Prague Czech Republic

Jessenia Inc Rehabilitation Hospital Beroun Akeso Holding MINDWALK s r o Czech Republic

Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine Neuroscience Institute Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Palanga Lithuania

Latvian Association of CBT Latvia

Riga's Stradins University Latvian Association of CBT Latvia