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

This video features a counseling role-play in which the empty chair technique from gestalt therapy is used to help a client (played by an actress) build confidence to address a strained relationship.

[peterwinkler]

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.

[mikahhernandez]

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

[lauraleslie]

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.

[elyshamason]

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.

[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..

[oliviahylton]

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.

[williamwagner]

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.

[tamarabakergibbons]

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.

[elizabeth_]

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

[nakeshatucker]

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!!

[jackieslavin]

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.

[nassrakhan]

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

[kassietrala]

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.

[chelseareeve]

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.

[amandavalentino]

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.

[veronicabetz]

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.

[jackiedeleonardis]

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.

[marissabarnes]

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.

[kristinblake]

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.

[melissasmith]

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.