Break Your Negative Patterns in Five Steps

Provides a practical plan to break unhelpful thinking and behavioural patterns for lasting change

Many people struggle with thoughts and reactions that feel overwhelming, repetitive, or out of proportion—yet don’t always understand why. Breaking Negative Thinking Patterns Step by Step offers a clear, evidence-based framework to recognise and transform these recurring emotional and behavioural patterns, known as “modes.” Drawing on schema therapy and the latest clinical research, Hannie van Genderen guides readers through a five-step process designed to identify unhelpful modes, understand their origins, and develop healthier, more balanced ways of responding to life’s challenges.

Through the relatable stories of Sarah, Martin, and Nora, readers learn to see how modes influence their emotions and relationships—and how meaningful change is possible. Each step of the process includes structured guidance, real-world examples, and practical exercises that encourage self-awareness, resilience, and emotional growth. Whether used independently or alongside a therapist, this book empowers readers to create lasting transformation by strengthening their healthy adult mode and nurturing self-compassion.

Showing that change is achievable—not by fighting behavioural patterns, but by understanding and reshaping them, Breaking Negative Thinking Patterns Step by Step:

• Introduces a clinically grounded plan for identifying and changing negative modes
• Integrates the latest insights from schema therapy and psychological research
• Illustrates each stage of the transformation process
• Includes worksheets to support self-guided or therapist-assisted change
• Explains how to maintain progress and prevent relapse through ongoing self-reflection
• Offers strategies to strengthen healthy emotional patterns and balanced thinking

Combining scientific insight, professional expertise, and deep empathy, Breaking Negative Thinking Patterns Step by Step is a must-have for individuals seeking to better understand and manage their emotions and behaviour. It is also a valuable resource for therapists using schema therapy or related approaches, professionals in mental health and wellbeing roles, and undergraduate and postgraduate students in clinical psychology, counselling, and psychotherapy courses.