Psychiatr. praxi. 2026;27(2):115-122 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2026.020

Understanding and communication in group schema therapy: training of empathy and conflict resolution for patients with borderline personality disorder

prof. MUDr. Ján Praško, CSc.^1-4, doc. PaedDr. et Mgr. Marta Zaťková, PhD.³, MUDr. Jakub Vaněk, Ph.D.⁵, Bc. Martin Mikula¹, MUDr. Kryštof Kantor, Ph.D.⁶, doc. PhDr. Miloš Šlepecký, CSc.³, PhDr. Marie Ocisková, Ph.D.^{1, 2}

¹ Jessenia a. s., Rehabilitační nemocnice Beroun, Akeso holding, a. s.

² Klinika psychiatrie, Lékařská fakulta Univerzity Palackého v Olomouci

³ Katedra psychologických vied, Fakulta sociálnych vied a zdravotníctva, Univerzita Konštantína Filozofa, Nitra

⁴ Katedra psychoterapie, Institut postgraduálního vzdělávání ve zdravotnictví, Praha

⁵ Beskydské centrum duševního zdraví, Nemocnice ve Frýdku-Místku, p. o.

⁶ Dětská psychiatrická klinika, Fakultní nemocnice Motol a Homolka, Praha

Aim: This article presents a structured approach to training communication skills and mentalization in group schema therapy (GST) for patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The aim is to enhance empathy, the ability to identify one's own and others' needs, and to effectively resolve interpersonal conflicts.

Methods: The GST methodology includes training communication skills through role-play, role-reversal, working with modes, discussing one's own and others' needs, and group discussions. Patients learn to identify their maladaptive schemas (Vulnerable Child, Critical Parent) and transition to the Healthy Adult mode. Special attention is paid to ensuring a safe environment where patients can openly share their experiences and receive feedback from the group.

Results: The training of communication skills led to an improvement in patients' ability to express their emotions, understand the needs of others, and resolve conflict situations more effectively. Patients demonstrated increased self-reflection, improved empathy, and enhanced ability to negotiate compromises.

Conclusion: Communication skills training in group schema therapy is an effective method for improving interpersonal skills in patients with borderline personality disorder.

Keywords: group schema therapy, communication, empathy, conflict resolution, mentalization, borderline personality disorder, role-play, safe environment.

Accepted: June 10, 2026; Published: July 21, 2026  Show citation