Certification

In order to obtain ISST certification in Individual Schema Therapy, participants must meet the following criteria:

Criteria

Training

A minimum master's degree in psychology, clinical social work, psychiatry, counseling, or a related field leading to licensure to practice psychotherapy.

Registration

A license or official permission to practice psychotherapy independently, issued by recognized government or professional bodies in your country.

International standards

In countries where there is no licensing system, standards established by recognized national or international psychotherapeutic organizations apply.

Accreditation

In regions with mandatory professional accreditation, accredited membership in the relevant body is required.

Standard Certification Level

This level of certification allows you to:

Conduct an individual treatment regimen;
Participate in research projects;
Teach the basics of schema therapy in ISST-approved training programs under the supervision of an advanced level supervisor.

Certification does not include the right to independently conduct training programs, evaluate sessions, or provide supervision on complex cases.

Advanced Certification Level

This level gives the right to:

Work with a full range of clinical cases;
Conduct master classes and supervisions (in accordance with ISST criteria);
Participate in the development and implementation of certification programs;
Apply for the status of a supervisory trainer after a certain period of practice (details are on the ISST website).

Participants in the 2024 International Training and Certification Program can choose from a variety of options depending on their interest in general training or their pursuit of certification. For those pursuing certification, all components are required. However, for trainees not pursuing certification, there are several optional course components.

What does ISST certification provide?

Recognition of your professional level in the international ISST community.

Adding your contact details to the official register of certified schema therapists on the ISST website (optional).
Opportunity to participate in international conferences and ISST events.

With an Advanced certificate, you can teach schema therapy, conduct supervision, and participate in international ISST training programs.

*Please note that for security reasons, the ISST website only accepts PDF documents for certification applications. Applications not submitted in this format will not be considered.

ISST Certification Forms