SIRP Notes for Schema Therapy: Template + Examples (2026)
Overview
The SIRP Notes format provides an excellent structure for documenting Schema Therapy because it separates subjective experience from objective observations while emphasizing clinical assessment and planning. When working with clients presenting with Schema Therapy, the key is to document how the specific symptoms, behavioral patterns, and treatment responses are understood through the lens of this particular format.
Each section of the SIRP Notes note should serve a specific purpose when documenting Schema Therapy. Rather than generic descriptions, each section should contain clinical information that directly relates to the diagnostic criteria, treatment indicators, and progress measures relevant to Schema Therapy. This requires understanding both how the format works and what aspects of Schema Therapy are most important to capture for insurance justification, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making.
Documentation quality matters significantly when treating Schema Therapy. Insurance companies need to see clear evidence of medical necessity, meaningful progress on treatment goals, and appropriate use of evidence-based interventions. The SIRP Notes structure, when properly applied to Schema Therapy, communicates this clinical picture clearly and compliantly.
How to Document SIRP Notes for Schema Therapy
Situation
Describe the presenting situation, precipitating events, current stressors, and context surrounding this session
When documenting the Situation in schema therapy, focus on capturing the client's current emotional state, triggering events, and specific schema modes or maladaptive patterns that are present at the start of the session.
- Identify and describe any activated schema modes or coping styles observed or reported by the client.
- Document recent life events or interpersonal situations that may have triggered schema activation.
- Note the client's emotional state and level of distress related to schema-driven reactions.
- Record any relevant childhood memories or early maladaptive schemas that the client brings up spontaneously.
- Describe the client's current relational dynamics or conflicts that relate to their identified schemas.
Intervention
Document specific therapeutic interventions, techniques, and clinical actions taken during the session
In the Intervention section for schema therapy, detail the specific therapeutic techniques and strategies employed to address the client's schemas, modes, and emotional needs during the session.
- Describe use of experiential techniques such as imagery rescripting or chair work to engage with schema modes.
- Note any cognitive restructuring or schema education provided to increase client insight.
- Record use of limited reparenting or validating communication to meet unmet emotional needs.
- Document behavioral assignments or role plays initiated to challenge maladaptive coping patterns.
- Include therapist observations about client engagement with interventions and any adjustments made.
Response
Record the client's response to interventions, observable changes, and emotional/behavioral reactions
The Response section should capture the client’s reactions to interventions, shifts in schema modes, and overall progress toward therapy goals during the session.
- Evaluate changes in client awareness or insight regarding their schemas and coping styles.
- Note emotional responses to experiential exercises, including any resistance or breakthroughs.
- Assess shifts in schema mode activation intensity or frequency during the session.
- Record client’s ability to apply new coping strategies or perspectives introduced in therapy.
- Include therapist’s clinical impressions about client progress and any diagnostic reconsiderations.
Plan
Outline next steps, follow-up care, and ongoing treatment strategy based on current situation and response
In the Plan section, outline the next steps tailored to schema therapy, including homework assignments, modifications to treatment approach, and scheduling, aimed at reinforcing schema change and emotional healing.
- Assign specific homework targeting identified schemas or modes, such as journaling or mode tracking.
- Plan for continued or adjusted use of schema-focused experiential techniques in future sessions.
- Identify any referrals needed for adjunctive support (e.g., psychiatry or trauma therapy).
- Modify treatment goals or strategies based on client progress and response noted in session.
- Schedule the next session and outline preparatory tasks to enhance engagement with schema work.
SOAP Notes for Schema Therapy
Alternative format for documenting schema therapy
DAP Notes for Schema Therapy
Alternative format for documenting schema therapy
BIRP Notes for Schema Therapy
Alternative format for documenting schema therapy
Progress Notes for Schema Therapy
Alternative format for documenting schema therapy
GIRP Notes for Schema Therapy
Alternative format for documenting schema therapy
PIE Notes for Schema Therapy
Alternative format for documenting schema therapy
Tips for SIRP Notes for Schema Therapy
Connect to Diagnostic Criteria
Always link your observations and interventions back to the specific diagnostic criteria for Schema Therapy. If you're documenting generalized anxiety disorder, reference the specific DSM-5 criteria. If you're documenting major depressive disorder, show evidence of the required number of depressive symptoms. This demonstrates clear clinical reasoning and justifies continued treatment.
Use Quantifiable Measurements
Don't simply write "Schema Therapy improving." Instead, use rating scales (0-10 severity scales, PHQ-9 scores, GAD-7 scores, etc.) to show concrete progress. Document specific behavioral changes: "Client reported anxiety decreased from 8/10 to 6/10 when discussing social situations," or "Depressive symptoms reduced by 3 points on PHQ-9."
Document Functional Impact
Show how Schema Therapy affects the client's daily functioning. Insurance requires evidence of functional impairment to justify treatment. Document specific impacts: "Unable to attend work meetings due to anxiety," or "Staying in bed until 2 PM due to depressed mood." Then show how treatment addresses these functional limitations.
Track Intervention Specificity
Rather than vague interventions, be specific about what you did and why. For Schema Therapy, document: "Taught progressive muscle relaxation for anxiety management," or "Assigned behavioral activation with goal to schedule one pleasant activity daily." Show how each intervention targets the specific symptoms of Schema Therapy.
Demonstrate Treatment Progress
Connect each session to overall treatment goals for Schema Therapy. Show how this session moved the client forward. Document barriers encountered and your response: "Client engaged in avoidance despite exposure assignment. Explored ambivalence about facing feared situations. Adjusted timeline."
Note Comorbidities
Clients with Schema Therapy often have other conditions. Document any comorbid diagnoses and how they interact. For example: "Client's Schema Therapy is complicated by concurrent depression, which reduces treatment response. Added behavioral activation to address depressive symptoms alongside anxiety-specific exposure work."
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Further Reading
- APA Documentation Guidelines — Provides comprehensive standards for clinical documentation relevant to psychotherapy and schema therapy notes.
- SAMHSA — Offers resources and guidelines on behavioral health documentation and best practices for mental health treatment.
- DSM-5-TR — Essential for diagnostic criteria and understanding clinical presentations relevant to schema therapy documentation.