Gestalt Therapy Role-Play - Empty Chair Technique with Strained Relationship

[@peterwinkler4415]

I attended a gestalt group back in the '70's and using this technique I was able to express feelings toward my Dad about the way I had been treated as a child. Following the session I visited my Dad and I was able to tell him that I loved him (and that I also forgave him). Not long after that he passed away and I was pleased that we were at peace with one another before he died.

[@TheUnknownLegend1234]

That's great to hear! Thanks for sharing your story.

[@mikahhernandez2097]

why do i feel like the comment section is full of students having to comment as part of a class assignment ?

[@joaocarvalho1347]

we have to do a roleplay lmao

[@eller.5940]

Haha I’m sick of discussion posts.

[@shaneasims]

A discussion post😂

[@natalievelasquez09]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@setholson4197]

I had to look at the comments because of this comment lol oof, it’s pretty bad

[@lauraleslie4240]

In viewing this role-play, I can see how this one chair technique can be instrumental with someone who is having trouble being assertive or asking for what they need in a relationship. It seems to be an excellent technique to build confidence for those who have problems speaking up for themselves and trying to find their own voice. It can be a great way to practice putting thoughts into words, as it did with this client.

[@wetlazer]

I love that this is really "tight" video. Concise, easy to understand, the way you explained, and future paced was very informative for the observer to learn about the process..

[@elyshamason9813]

The empty chair technique will forever be a timeless tool in my counseling tool kit. I believe in any scenario when a client has unresolved issues that they would like to work out with someone else or even self and have a hard time articulating those things that this really helps with getting those "I really need to say this" statements out.

[@williamwagner827]

Dr. Grande uses the empty chair technique in such a great scenario in this video. With such a fearful client, this activity is great for helping to boost confidence as well as prepare the client for a possibly anxiety raising conversation. Dr. Grande uses a smooth and empathic tone with the client to help her feel more comfortable which is something that I appreciated in this video.

[@tamarabakergibbons5715]

Empty chair seems like an exceptional technique to help clients face challenging situations in an controlled safe environment. I like how you acknowledged the client's fear but also emphasized the movement the client experienced, which was "feeling taller" after the technique. Thanks for the video Dr. Grande.

[@oliviahylton9430]

Dr. Grande did a great job of bringing the client’s past, unexpressed feelings regarding her mother into the present tense through the empty chair technique. Dr. Grande assisted the client in being aware of her feelings and desires through his warm and genuine approach. The technique allowed the client to see the the strength she has to confront the strained relationship with her mother. The client appears to be in the accommodation stage of integration, realizing that she can in fact get out the feelings that have been hindering her relationships. The emphasis on the therapeutic support truly shows within the role-play and ultimately leads the client closer to the change process.

[@jessicavickers3946]

Olivia-I agree that Dr. Grande was empathetic and gentle and even stated at the beginning that if it got to be too much for his client they could just stop. Bringing up the client's strengths in addition to reflecting her feelings of anxiety and fear is a great way to help the client feel heard and empowered.

[@ashleymogle2700]

The empty chair technique is something so simple, and yet it has such a powerful impact on the clients that are willing to participate. It allows clients to voice their feelings in a safe environment, and to receive support and validation from their counselors. What continually strikes me in all of the "empty chair" videos I have watched is the very real, visceral reaction most clients have to the idea of even pretending to speak to the "individual" in the other chair. This further illustrates the long-lasting impact that abuse can have on an individual, whether it be physical/emotional/sexual/verbal.

[@mr19983]

@ Ashley Mogle . The empty chair technique can also push people into severe mental illness , as it fragments the mind , into thinking that thoughts represent different entities .Seen the dangers in many people who use gestalt and TA therapy .

[@elizabeth_9746]

Watching videos of yours to help me in my final semester of school. Thanks Dr.!

[@marissabarnes4084]

This roleplay was a great example of the gestalt empty chair technique. This would be helpful for any client who may have trouble expressing their feelings towards others for a multitude of reasons. Dr. Grande allowed the client to discuss how her mother makes her feel like a child and then proceeded to introduce the technique. I also appreciated how he asked the client if it was okay to use this technique with her. The client mentioned a few words but then found herself not knowing what exactly to say. He also encouraged her and redirected her through this process when her focus went off the chair and back towards Dr. Grande. Once the chair was removed, the client was able to take a step forward in confronting her mother.

[@kassietrala378]

I love the Gestalt empty chair technique. I think it is a wonderful way to bring awareness to individuals and empower them to speak their mind when they lack the confidence to do so in the moment of conflict. The client said it perfectly when she said she felt more confident and that she finally felt like she could put actual words to her thoughts and feelings. I'm sure this technique can be really uncomfortable at first, but I think it is a useful tool.

[@chelseareeve36]

You can truly feel the client's sadness, fear, and frustration in completing this empty-chair technique. I can imagine that this would be very empowering for the client to be able to practice/work through difficulties as if they were talking to someone/something important toward their goals. It was obvious that the client was a bit resistant in completing this exercise; evident of her obvious difficulty asserting herself with her mother, and therefore, I liked that Dr. Grande encouraged the client to reflect on the experience and to discuss that moving forward.

[@nakeshatucker6844]

During this session, the empty chair technique was pretty powerful. Although this session is a role play, it really helped me develop further insight of how the empty chair technique can be used. The client stated that she was not ready to confront her mother face to face, but I seen a source of strength arise out of her. She is a step closer than she was before the session started. Great job!!

[@angiegrimes7265]

+Nakesha Tucker I agree. I thought the technique enabled her to finally say the things that had been weighing her down for a long time. Saying them out loud helped her won her feelings, made her stronger and perhaps more in control. Great job.

[@amandavalentino8182]

Dr. Grande- I found that the client was aware of her own challenges. By bringing in the empty chair technique this helped the client to imagine of what she would say to her mother. I find that this technique allows clients to speak their own thoughts and emotions without that specific person around. Importantly, the client is able to to vocalize what this person would say, in return this particular person has caused so much pain in the clients life. The client was able to rationalize her thoughts and how the challenge would pan out. I find that this technique allows the client to be empowered and when they are ready; they can have this conversation and rid some of their anxieties.

[@dHunter94]

The empty chair technique can be very powerful and useful with clients who have been unsuccessful in vocalizing their thoughts and feelings toward others. Something that I have always found astonishing in the implementation of this technique is how emotional the client tends to get when addressing the “individual” in the empty chair. In this case, the client felt as if she was sitting just a little bit taller by addressing who/what she wanted, but at the same time she can picture the other individual belittling and demeaning her once again which is causing her to hesitate from proceeding any further. The imagination is a powerful thing and this technique may take some time for clients to feel comfortable with and I really appreciated how Dr. Grande helped put into words what the client was feeling/wanting to say as well as support the client for wanting to continue this technique in stages as opposed to all at once.

[@veronicabetz9452]

This powerful intervention was a very helpful way for the client to release in a safe environment. This technique helped the client feel more confident and finally put her thoughts to words which started her on the road to inner peace and freedom. I think her homework of reflecting on her chair experience will also broaden the client's self-awareness.

[@jackieslavin2150]

I love the empty chair technique. I feel that it can be very powerful. I will definitely be using this in my practices. The client feels like her mother treats her like a child. In this technique the client sits across from an empty chair and pretends her mother is sitting there. She then tells her mother everything she has to say. This technique allows her to be open and honest about how she is feeling. She said that these are things she has wanted to say for a long time and that she feels “taller” and more confident after. I think this technique is a great way to address issues and find a comfort level with talking about them.

[@jackiedeleonardis1153]

Like so many other techniques it is really helpful to actually be able to see how they are implemented. Initially, you could see the reluctance and that the client was not sure how this technique could work or what she would say to her mother. I like how Dr. Grande was able to then ask the client questions about how her mother would react and then respond to that. I can see how this could be useful especially for those individuals who struggle with being assertive. This technique helped the client to become more aware of how to put her feelings into words. I think that this is definitely something that would have to be done in stages and with enough practice, the client could become more confident, and eventually be able to speak directly to her mother.

[@ms.maggie8491]

The acting in this video is good, especially with the pretend patient. Good job! It makes me understand Gestalt therapy more.

[@kristinblake9294]

The use of the empty chair technique was very beneficial for this client. She went from feeling anxious and belittled to empowered and hopeful. Dr. Grande statement that using the technique in a safe place opened the client to the option. The technique brought about some self-awareness for the client. Dr. Grande also helped the client find more appropriate terms for her feelings and thoughts. The plan to take the technique in stages made the client feel more comfortable and offered the client room for reflection.

[@nassrakhan863]

Dr. Grande this is great. I am doing a course on Gestalt therapy and this was very helpful.

[@kaitlynforaker9832]

I really enjoy the empty chair technique. In this video I felt that the client was able to express themselves. I found the issue that she was dealing with is a common issue and as a therapist in training I can see that this would be a helpful technique to use with up coming clients.

[@rachelnewberry1089]

One of the goals of Gestalt therapy is finding awareness and relationships with one's self and with others. It appears that that is the goal that Dr.Grande is trying to help his client achieve during this session. By having the client use the empty chair technique, the client is able to open up and become aware of her feelings about her mother. The client was able to successfully put her thoughts and feelings into words, which can be very beneficial for someone who is struggling with these strong emotions. I think that this session truly helped the client move forward with her relationship and becoming more aware of herself.

[@adizmarine]

Hello! I'm currently pursuing my clinical psychologist license and I have to learn about empty chair technique. There are various explanation and I think watching the roleplay is the best way to grab the whole idea. Thank you for uploading this!

[@marisamaguire8136]

I really enjoyed this role-play demonstration and I find as though the technique can be useful in many different ways for many clients. While it may feel odd or uncomfortable - as first as the client in the video portrayed - to attempt to use your imagination to express yourself openly, I find as though the technique is amazing for individuals who may have trouble with confrontation, who have bottled up emotions for so long towards another individual or situation etc. I find as though the technique allows the client to learn how to communicate effectively, build confidence in their approach, work towards the goal of addressing the individual or situation, validate their feelings and emotions, and feel relief. I really appreciated how Dr. Grande continued to ask the client how her mother may be responding during the technique. I find as though it allows the client to envision how the individual may react to what is being said, and prepare an appropriate response. Additionally, I find the counselors role when using the technique to be very useful in providing the client with support, and positive reinforcement, by reflecting feelings, and being present with the client in that moment, allowing them to not feel alone, while giving them the confidence to continue on with the conversation, and alleviate their stress and anxiety towards the situation.

[@melissasmith3173]

I find myself appreciating Gestalt therapy more and more each day. I enjoyed seeing the "empty chair' technique being implemented. I think this technique can be very helpful for clients who are struggling to confront uncomfortable situations. Being able to share their thoughts out-loud, without fear of retaliation, and in a safe environment, can help empower clients to take control of stressful situations with others. I especially liked when the client felt stuck and expressed that she couldn't give anymore, and the counselor pushed her by asking her what she thought her mother's reaction would be at that moment. It was at that moment that the client really committed to the process. This is definitely a technique that I would use.

[@barbarahoffman408]

I love this technique. It facilitates an interaction that may not otherwise be possible for the client. While the chair is empty the therapist can help the client to imagine someone is there and the client can experience all of the same emotions as if they were having the actual interaction. I can see a lot of different scenarios where this technique would be impactful.

[@loriwardwell2957]

I think this is a great example of using the empty chair; the client is obviously fearful of having the conversation so this gives opportunity to express and clarify her thoughts in a safe environment. You can really see how it could be a benefit.

[@angelinastanton7996]

I agree that this technique can be so powerful and beneficial for clients. It has become a favorite of mine. At first, this did seem very bizarre to me and I did not think it could be effective. However, if clients give it a try, I think that they will be surprised at the outcome.

[@jemgem9593]

Impressed with this 'empty chair' technique. Especially the question from the therapist of 'how do you think she is reacting', and client replies probably rolling her eyes etc. Very interesting technique.

[@jessicavickers3946]

I appreciated this role play. Im struggling with fully comprehending Gestalt and all of the components so it was nice for me to see one of the techniques in action. It seemed to be very impactful for the client to be able to say some of the things she wanted to say to her mother in a safe space. I feel this technique can be extremely powerful but needs to be used with caution as it is likely to bring up very uncomfortable feelings for the client.

[@matthewthomas161]

bringing those uncomfortable feelings up in the session is another part of gestalt

[@ciaracarter291]

Now this is one of the therapies that I struggle to understand. I did notice that he used the empty chair technique which I felt was really useful for the client. I think this approach really allowed the client to gain confidence maybe for a future conversation. She was also actually experiencing some of the pain she does when she thinks about the relationship with mom. Overall good session.

[@chinami6534]

I feel like gestalt therapy seems to really help the client become their authentic self and I really love it for that💜 Propably really good for people with identity and boundary issues etc. I also like the fact that the technique is abit playful sinceit can relief the stress of what is being discussed.

[@rbells5173]

I liked watching this technique in practice. I see how this technique would give the client confidence and strength to deal with relationship issues. I can also so see how the client's can view this technique as a release and relief.

[@kaitlynforaker9832]

I like the empty chair technique. I believe this is a good way to allow the client to express themselves and express their thoughts and feelings. In this video I feel that the empty chair technique was beneficial to the client. This technique can decrease ones anxiety in expressing what feelings they are having towards another person (in this video-mom). I like who the therapist educated the client on this technique and the client was open-minded with this.

[@XxAmayaSanxX]

Thanks for posting this. My therapist suggested we try this and Im extremely anxious about it. I have a better idea of what this is and what Im supposed to do.

[@felicityclark7070]

Thanks for putting this video. It's great u are helping to give people a voice

[@monicaperry13]

I like that Gestalt therapy has different techniques. I especially liked that the client did something here that she thought she was not able to do, which was say out loud what she has been thinking about saying to her mother. I would think it would be extra helpful to also be prepared for what this person might say back to you, in this case her mother. That way it allows for you to know what you will say when the time comes and you are ready to confront them. I liked how Dr. Grande stepped in and prepared her for that.

[@zureezee1887]

It is a very interesting style of therapy, and role plays are always beneficial especially for someone to see that might not be as bad as they think.

[@wandamixon5360]

Now that I understand Gestalt Theory better, it's helpful to see the process: assessment, introduction to the technique, the client's experience, clarification of thoughts and feelings, and plan for future sessions. Individuals often rehearse negative dialog. The empty chair technique offers an opportunity to experiment with potential outcomes, possibly positive ones and if not, brings awareness to blocks to overcome.

[@suzgen7323]

I agree that this technique is powerful especially introducing it to clients for the first time. At first, I thought to explore her current feelings in depth during the "empty chair" dialogue instead of focusing on her mother's response but realized that future meetings would be more appropriate for this client after she has time to digest the experience. I also found it interesting, as well as important, to move the "empty chair" back when the technique ended. This role play was a helpful example.

[@karaannsullivan2363]

I think the Gestalt approach empty chair technique is an interesting and innovate approach for clients' to express themselves unabashedly. I think Jodi summed it up when she said she found the words to match her thoughts. I think that putting words into action is something everyone struggles or has struggled with.

[@trishgonzalez2693]

This technique would seem to be beneficial for clients struggling with unaddressed issues from their past.

[@jimmyvelvet7817]

Thank you, your videos have been very helpful. You explain therapies and techniques better than any teacher i have had. If I was wearing a hat I would take it off to you sir.

[@laurynmoffa]

I noticed how supportive, genuine, and warm the therapist was with the client's difficult situation. The Empty Chair technique seems to work for most role-plays that I've seen. I wonder, however, if it becomes so real to the client that when they actually do go home to the individual whom they put in the chair, what emotions arise in the client. Have there been incidences when the client goes in front of that individual and becomes defeated yet again because the responses they "made up" for them in the counseling session weren't realistic? Then the client is left feeling defeated and discouraged even more so? I guess that is why I appreciated the fact that the therapist said they would work in stages to get to a certain point.

[@RyanPclifton]

this felt very real to me. it was interesting to see how this exercise can impact someone. I'd be hesitant to use this technique because i feel that a lot of people would be resistant to using their imagination like that but i feel that the ones who do can have a powerful experience.

[@katybethhern6167]

Nice job portraying the empty chair technique. I can see how this technique may be useful for certain clients who may have issues confronting others.

[@heather7927]

+Katybeth Hern I agree the role play is definitely helpful if someone needs to prepare their thoughts, words, and emotional response before confronting someone.

[@Tokyodisco1]

Todd like your style thanks for sharing this approach. Really helpful

[@johnharrisjr2808]

I feel like this technique will definitely work. I found it interesting that the client said it was hard talking to her mother and her fear and stress came back. I would have thought it would be easier to talk to her mother in a empty chair because she wasn't physically there. She also said that this technique helped her find the words that matched her thoughts. I believe after a few practices she will be ready to confront her mother.

[@joseliz8762]

In my opinion, the empty chair technique is the most effective technique within Gestalt therapy. I believe this technique works on many front, first, like Dr. Grande stated, it is a safe place where there is no backlash from the person you want to express your feelings to. The empty chair technique works on bringing awareness of old and new feelings, obstacles that impede new awareness, and bring a client's awareness to the present. Like Perls stated, when people reach an impasse when they feel like they cant make any progress, they are afraid of what might happen (Sharf, 2016, p.262). The empty chair is an effective way to help the client explore moments of resistance within his/her feelings. Dr. Grande exhibited an ideal role play of what the empty chair technique looks like.

[@adambrowne332]

I can see how this technique could be useful for clients struggling with issues from their past. Given a strong therapeutic relationship, the counselor provides a safe environment for the client to try speaking with/imagining an interaction in which they can say exactly how they feel. I think this is a powerful technique that can uncover a lot of the client's underlying feelings/emotions about certain people, events, perceptions, etc. while also helping them to gain the confidence to perhaps confront this situation in reality.

[@janicedixon2051]

This can be an effective technique. It allowed the client to find the right words to say when confronting her conflict and builds confidence. I also feel like this technique is a great way to express emotions without regard to the other persons feelings in doing so the client allows for effective communication when confronting the person that he or she has a conflict with.

[@jadeshenellexox]

This was great! Good job guys! It felt so genuine!

[@sarahjones208]

I really like this technique because it gives the client a safe place to express her fears and anxieties. This also allows the client to put together some thoughts that she may potentially use during an actual conversation with her mother. I believe this technique could be very beneficial in situations similar to this.

[@jazzmynmolson307]

This technique can be very beneficial and it helped me develop a better understanding of what this technique can look like. I believe this is a great exercise because not only does it allow for the client to express their feelings but they can work through scenarios.

[@brandiependergast5865]

I really enjoyed this technique. I felt as though this was an empowering process for this client. She was able to say things to her mother that she has been needing to say to her without actually doing so. The only draw back I can see is for clients that feel as though they are unable to use their imaginations. They may find it difficult or almost impossible to talk to an empty chair. Other than this, I think this technique is great.

[@aussiebreeze3971]

This is a safe place to practice finding the words to attach to the feelings. It is sort of like writing a letter to the person regardless of giving it to them. Writing can finding words to attach to the emotions is powerful. I appreciate that this is a process. I am sure, as others have mentioned, that acting as the mother is powerful; but I see value in this exercise. I can see where in some cases the client may not be emotionally strong or stable enough to switch roles.... perhaps not on the first try.

[@emilytwomey7817]

I like that you point out how this method is a process. The role play may make it seem like it is something easy that can be done in one session, but I feel like it would be necessary to do extensive build up, as well as follow up with this session. I find it important that you point out the idea that is a safe place because as mentioned above, I feel like that is a key concept to this technique.

[@katiehooper7036]

I would love to do this. I wish I did this when I was in Georgia.

[@JamieB]

This empty chair method is one that I will remember and hope to incorporate into my sessions with clients. I can see how this can be a beneficial technique for clients who otherwise do not feel that they will be heard. Some things came up for me when the client explained how she doesn’t feel she would be able to get through what she has to say or that she would have it planned out but never be given the opportunity. I have experienced that myself with a parent, so I would have immediately known that I need to keep focused on what she is saying about her own experience and not to blend it with my own.

[@kikixiong6156]

This technique can be useful for relational issues. Personally, I believe by practicing what to say and how to express some thoughts, and picturing how the listener would react, we get more confident and “proficient” with the situation. That helps us to move forward to improve the relationship.

[@wetlazer]

I am in a study group. We are studying NLP hypnosis and so forth. We are going to do a practice today in about four hours. I had heard of Gesthalt, but I didn't know anything about it. I watched one video of you talking about this therapy, and I learned that "aggression" seems to be a large part of the original style, which was a fascinating thing to come away with. Then I watched this video and it was very useful to see "how" the client would do the work. How often do people speak in a reserved tone, like this volunteer, and how often do people get very emotional I.E. screaming, and crying? I would guess people would have a short, intense emotion most of the time I.E. tears, swearing. As opposed to a long rant. I'd think in a rant you'd choose to pull them back, then allow the intensity to increase - sort of like fractionation. Outside of formal hypnosis is that still called fractionation?

[@MrPoopatron54]

Excellent and helpful video. Excellent actress as well!

[@virginiamurrey9139]

The empty chair technique is very interesting, I think in certain circumstances it may be a positive experience for clients to be able to put themselves in an imaginary situation where they are able to express themselves without the usual results they may usually endure. It offers the client an opportunity to gain confidence for when addressing the issues in real life situations.

[@cherylchance8671]

I could appreciate this technique. The client is obviously feeling badly about the relationship with her mother and the last thing that she would need would be to feel that way from the therapist as well. There were good episodes of reflection and insight given to the client to try to uncover her feelings. It seems that her inability to communicate extends beyond her mother and to her relationship with her husband as well. Some of the solutions were actual role plays that were identified that could help the client to feel more comfortable.

[@ninastreet4630]

This was a very interesting approach. By having the client talk to the empty chair like she wanted to with her mother, it allowed her to get some things off her chest. I can understand how difficult it may have been for her, especially when she stated that she wasn't sure what else to say. I could sense her anxiety; however, she was able to work through it with the help of Dr. Grande.

[@cherylchance8671]

It certainly is! This is almost something that the client could continue to work on in the comfort of their own home as well.

[@ericahammond9901]

Dr. Grande explained empty chair technique with the client and before implementing he ensure he received approval from the client. He provided a safe place for the client to express her emotions towards her mother in a manner which the client could be comfortable without actually being in her mothers presence. After implementing the technique Dr. Grande asked the client to reflect on how the process made her feel. He also broke the technique down into stages so the client didn’t feel overwhelmed which lead to decreasing her anxiety and also allowed her to feel an increased sense of self confidence.

[@MyDonh]

very powerful technique. I also see the need for complete competence with this technique as it could cause more damage to a strained relationship than helping to resolve the issues.

[@kiaraclayton5086]

The probing that happened in the beginning of the session helped the client bring out more information. From that information Dr Grande was able to help the client see how her dislikes from her mother is becoming a generational thing that she is doing to her girls. Dr Grande provided the client with a safe space as he begin the empty chair technique by letting her know that if she needed to stop they could stop and discuss that and as the client spoke she became very comfortable getting out what she needed for her healing

[@briannagoitiandia9833]

I think this was a useful technique for the client because she was having difficulty with how she would talk to her mother and additionally she stated that sometimes she has thoughts in her head but does not know how to put those thoughts into words. Giving the client the opportunity to practice how she would say what she wants is helpful regardless if she will actually have this conversation or not.

[@lisanoland5134]

The counselor fully explained the technique before beginning and assured the client that if it became to difficult the exercise could be stopped at any time. It seemed to get easier for the client as the exercise progressed. The counselor was sure to check-in with the client afterward and inquired about the client's emotional response to the experience.

[@remygooch1393]

The empty chair technique utilized in this session allowed for the client to move a step further toward the goal of speaking directly to her mother. She mentioned early in the session that she has thought about speaking to her mother but could never find the words to express to her. This technique, with the assistance of Dr. Grande, helped the client take a therapeutic step toward something very important to her. Dr. Grande was with the client the entire way which benefited the client and helped her explore solutions for her concern.

[@ashleymegahan5966]

I thought the counselor did a great job at demonstrating the empty chair technique. The client presents as having a damaged relationship with her mother, which seemed to focus on her being criticize by her mother. The counselor did an excellent job at attending to the clients feelings using empathy and creating a safe environment for the client to feel comfortable participating in the empty chair activity.

[@amandagerrick5407]

I thought it was really interesting how the counselor used that technique of the chair as her mother to help boost the client's confidence. I think this could be useful in helping the client find the right words they want to say or how they may confront a certain situation.

[@sarahjones208]

I think it also gives the client the unconditional positive regard they often search for. This client was able to say some of the things she has feared the most without hesitation or worry.

[@johnfruits3544]

Gestalt therapy is interesting in its techniques. I do like the idea of the empty chair technique and find it very helpful in guiding clients towards a resolve in confronting someone they are having issues with. This process, helps you see just how open and direct discussions with persons can more realistically play out. This form of therapy helps reduce the fear and gives strength to the client to have or address conversations with people who cause them angst. It builds confidence and allows a script for them to use if and when they decide to confront the individual.

[@paolos22]

This seems to be a useful exploration for the client. However, it appears to be a classic example of a none-gestalt practitioner using a gestalt "technique". Empty chair is not a "practice" run, it is designed to explore intra-psychic splits. So when the client says "I wish I could feel safe around you" An important intervention here is then to enquire "tell her how you do feel around her" (most likely scared etc) In gestalt you want to get to the now of the situation, "wish" is a future point and indicates a current disturbance, get to the current conflict. That's where the juice is. The disapproving mother in the chair is a projection of hostility that the client could own for herself. The idea is to bring the projected power back and have it re-possessed.

[@wimbledonhypno]

I agree with Asher, part of this process involves moving position and responding as the mother. It is much more powerful when it's done in that way.

[@jalzinho1]

Depends - if your self is fragile it can be too distressing to step into the other persons place. It can come with time.

[@ushalincoln9669]

I find this technique very interesting, I think that it could be very useful in some aspect helping the client find their voice and being able to talk to someone that they find tough to communicate to, like someone coming from an abusive relationship. However the other hand I think that a client could not necessarly be ready for this type of therapy because either they could not take it completely serious or it could just be to intense for them to explore especially if they are coming from a past with a lot of trauma.

[@amandagerrick5407]

I agree that this therapy would need to be done with the right type of client. If the client wasn't ready to do something like the technique performed in this video then they may close up or even stop coming to therapy.

[@qqw743]

Don't ask the client "how is your mother responding?" Have the client get up and sit in the other chair and be the mother. Then back. Also, take way more time. Clients love to just blurt out the quasi-easy remark like, "I'm sick of your stuff" without really feeling into it.

[@dothedeedee]

Would that be the two-chair technique, or still the empty chair?

[@bluecat6902]

@@dothedeedee still an empty chair, when the client move the other chair is empty

[@Cel3ere5]

Late to this, but is this the correct way, or a better method you found? Kind of mocking their abusers as a form of catharsis?

[@jasmiraross2802]

At first this technique seems a little bizarre but it gives the client the opportunity to express how they feel and release all un-comfortability. The therapist did a great job with getting the client to remember all aspects of her mother and personality, even getting the client to recognize what her mother might be doing (rolling her eyes) while she is expressing herself.

[@briannagoitiandia9833]

I also liked how he reminded her to keep her mother's personality in mind throughout the exercise. I think for this technique to be truly therapeutic that is an important aspect.

[@angelinastanton7996]

I think that this technique is so effective for clients suffering from a strained relationship or a relationship that did not work out. I can see how this can also help clients have some closure or confront unfinished business with someone. It was very powerful for me to see the counselor ask the client how she feels after confronting these feelings and acting on them by expressing herself. The empty chair technique can also help clients improve their assertiveness skills and confidence. I was also able to see how homework was assigned in the attempt to bring the client to greater self-awareness.

[@adrienne5080]

Wonderful example . Thank you.

[@philly111]

Thank you for this video, much appreciated!

[@diane3460]

I think that this technique can be helpful especially for people who will work to implement the change. I think that Gestalt Therapy is really good in helping the client come to an awareness. It seemed to work really well in this case, for a person you don't know as well it may be tricky to predict their behavior.

[@emilytwomey7817]

Just like person centered theory, I believe unconditional positive regard and the feeling of acceptance coming from the counselor would be necessary for this theory. Using the empty chair to role play or release feelings is something that could be exceptionally useful or cathartic. However, doing it with a new client without a good rapport or a counselor who a client feels uncomfortable with, may make the technique feel awkward or stressful, iinstead of beneficial.

[@ushalincoln9669]

I completely agree with you that this technique should only be used under certain circumstances and only once the client had been in therapy for a while and a good rapport had been built.

[@wardellwhittaker859]

Through this role-play, I can envision self-dialogue, especially the empty chair technique, helping a client gradually gain confidence or "feel taller". The counselor also used homework, questions, and a little bit of confrontation in the beginning to increase his awareness of her situation.

[@surayaiffah4967]

this video reminds me of this book: The Emotionally Absent Mother, Updated and Expanded Second Edition: How to Recognize and Heal the Invisible Effects of Childhood Emotional Neglect

[@starlingswallow]

I JUST got this book!!!!

[@sinajafarzadeh9577]

I always thought that empty chair meant that the therapist would leave the room so the client could safely talk out their issue when no one is around.

[@johnchristinadarwin8477]

Dr. Grande utilized the empty chair technique which is great for helping the client address her concerns with her mother. The client appeared a little hesitant in the beginning but opened up as the session went on. The client stated it was a difficult task for her, making her feel scared, but also confident. Dr. Grande reflected on her feelings and helped the client figure out how she can approach her situation.

[@starlingswallow]

I'm doing this tonight with my husband~ I've journaled all the ways I felt unsafe, still feel unsafe. I'm so angry and under that is hurt.

[@jackiesorrells5571]

Being able to role play a discussion or confrontation using empty chair gives the client a means of addressing their issue in a low risk way. They are able to process through their feelings/emotions/responses.

[@natashavernon9828]

Wow super realistic!!

[@nursinghomeholly1165]

So how does this change the long term relationship with the person in the empty chair? Are we trying to build the client up to confronting the person....or just give them temporary relief from anxiety until they actually see that person again?

[@ashnishah5703]

Thank you for this video❤

[@blackrainbow1100]

Very informative, thank you!

[@zureezee1887]

The empty chair technique seems very effective especially with clients who have difficulties with expressing themselves and how they feel to others. I would be very curious to know if it would be as effective if the client and therapist did not have an already established therapeutic relationship.

[@ewhite1124]

I wondered the same thing, Zuree - I feel like it takes a certain level of comfort to exhibit an imagination, given this technique. I feel like if a client is not really there yet with a counselor, they might hold back a bit.

[@lauriott5858]

I have a new appreciation for this technique Elisa since we did it as part of our role play in class. I can see how effective this can be for clients who don't feel they have a voice and are so reluctant to speak their mind. This client reminded me so much of myself at times speaking of the relationship with her mother and being afraid to talk to her. It may bring courage to many clients.

[@kristiewatunya2699]

The client addresses her concerns to the therapist and what things she is experiencing within the relationship with her mother. The therapist introduced to the "Empty Chair technique," to help address the things she would say to her mother. I would assume this would give the client more confidence and a better understanding of her true feelings and thoughts about her and her mother's relationship. The therapist is in the moment with the client and helps the client look for a solution.

[@JamieB]

Kristie Watunya I agree that this technique would give the client more confidence to express themselves and help them find a voice so that they are not powerless. This would also be a great way to organize your thoughts and become in touch with what is at the root of the issue. I have experienced not realizing that I had an issue with something until I talked about it and it came out. My hope would be that my clients were able to gain clarity and confidence in using this tool. At the very least they are able to vent without interruption.

[@brittanyhoffman8068]

The empty chair technique can be an extremely difficult technique for clients to be able to work through and feel comfortable in working through. The client in this role play seemed a little uncomfortable in speaking to her imaginary mother in this session, but the counselor was willing to allow her space between this session and the next session to sit with what she said in this session, and to work towards developing the confidence to eventually speak with her mother face to face as the sessions move forward.

[@luzthebuz2452]

Genuinely cannot tell if this is an act or not. If its not an act, is it really okay to post a therapy session online?

[@agulati1668]

Doc doesn't it violate the confidentiality- ethic of psychotherapy?

[@redlady935]

Aw, it's baby Dr Grande

[@abbywenwu.]

there are so many ads on this video!!!!

[@ShoreMeetsFarm]

The counselor effectively utilized the empty chair technique to bring the client's feelings surrounding her difficult relationship with her mother. The client was able to explore her feelings in the here and now, actively experiencing her feelings in the session rather than just talking about the feelings. The client was able to work through some of the anxiety and anger associated with her mother. She was able to do these things in a safe environment which allowed for processing and bringing these feelings into her awareness.

[@serenduran1435]

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