The empty chair (Wisefour-02-EN)
This workshop is a variation of the ‘empty chair’ technique that originates in gestalt therapy; The participant conducts an emotional dialogue with some aspect of himself or herself or some significant person (e.g., a parent), who is imagined to be sitting in an empty chair during the session. The participant then exchanges chairs and takes the role of that aspect or of that other person. This technique is now sometimes also referred to as the two-chair technique. In the specific variation, the chair is not empty; in the beginning, the trainer asks the participant to draw an image of the other person, place it on the chair, and address it.
LessThis workshop is a variation of the ‘empty chair’ technique that originates in gestalt therapy; The participant conducts an emotional dialogue with some aspect of himself or herself or some significant person (e.g., a parent), who is imagined to be sitting in an empty chair during the session. The participant then exchanges chairs and takes the role of that aspect or of that other person. This technique is now sometimes also referred to as the two-chair technique. In the specific variation, the chair is not empty; in the beginning, the trainer asks the participant to draw an image of the other person, place it on the chair, and address it.
This workshop is a variation of the ‘empty chair’ technique that originates in gestalt therapy; The participant conducts an emotional dialogue with some aspect of himself or herself or some significant person (e.g., a parent), who is imagined to be sitting in an empty chair during the session. The participant then exchanges chairs and takes the role of that aspect or of that other person. This technique is now sometimes also referred to as the two-chair technique. In the specific variation, the chair is not empty; in the beginning, the trainer asks the participant to draw an image of the other person, place it on the chair, and address it.
- Focus on
- Open-mindedness
- Self-awareness
- Self-expression
- Days
- 1
- Type
- With guidance
- Group size
- Individuals
- Duration
- 31- 60 min
- Settings
- Face-to-face
- Training field(s)
- Resilience Building
- Soft Skills
- Competence / skill
- Ability to capture, grow and bring an idea to life
- Composure/emotional regulation
- Problem solving
- Self-motivation & perseverance
Title
The empty chair
Method
Single work, coaching
Materials
Drawing material (paper, markers, colour pencils, etc.)
Preparation
2 chairs are place one opposite each other
Time for preparation
None
Tips for implementation
In the empty chair technique, the trainer functions as an observer. It is important to pay close attention to the power structure of the dynamic taking place between the participant’s multiple roles and call attention to it. Often the participant is more experientially engaged in The Experiential Chair and more mechanistic or superficial in The Other Chair. However, ideally the participant will become more experientially attuned in The Other Chair as the technique progresses, facilitating deeper recognition of both sides, and ultimately leading to a more “desirable” position being taken while in The Other Chair. For this reason, the trainer should pay special attention to any changes taking place in The Other Chair.
According to Greenberg (1979) the trainer’s role in the empty chair technique is very important. The trainer should:
- Maintain the contact boundary, which means making sure that the two parts are distinctly separate and making contact.
- Encourage the participant to avoid avoidance and take responsibility through the use of “I” statements.
- Observe the participant and make them aware of what they are doing or saying and encourage them to “stay with” what they are feeling.
- Encourage the participant to highlight key gestures or language through exaggeration.
Encourage the participant to express both the content and process of their emotions, with emphasis on being specific.
Resources/References
The Empty Chair Technique is a key method used in Gestalt therapy.
Gestalt: An organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts.
Gestalt therapy focuses on the individual as a whole, interconnected with their environment, relationships and experiences. Emphasis is placed on the here and now, rather than what was, might be, or should be. The goal of gestalt therapy is to help individuals become aware of what they are doing and how they are doing it. Then, it helps them see how they can change, while also learning to accept and value themselves.
References
Conoley, C., Conoley, J., McConnell, J. and Kimzey, C., 1983. The effect of the ABCs of Rational Emotive Therapy and the empty-chair technique of Gestalt Therapy on anger reduction. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 20(1), pp.112-117.
Jackson, G., 2006. The empty chair. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 60(12), pp.1519-1519.
Learning outcomes
Through this method/action, these benefits are achieved:
- Participants move away from talking about doing something to actually experiencing it first-hand in the present
- Help participants get in touch with the experience of their emotions and move beyond cognitive, verbal, and abstract realms into the experiential
- Deal with some form of internal conflict or split
Description in clear steps
Step 1:
The participant first defines the person he wants to conduct a dialogue with. That person can be anyone, even himself! Then, following the trainer’s instructions, he draws a portrait of that person. The point here is not the creation of a perfect work of art, but the expression of the participant’s feelings towards that person and their visualization on the paper.
Step 2:
The participant sits facing an empty chair. In the chair, he pictures a person with whom he is experiencing conflict. Or, he may picture a part of himself. Then, he speaks to the empty chair. He explains his feelings, thoughts, and understanding of the situation.
Step 3:
After he has shared his side of things, he moves to the other chair. Then, he responds to what he just said, from that person’s perspective, taking on their role. He may move back and forth between the chairs several times to continue the dialogue.
Meanwhile, the trainer explores this communication with questions and insights as the situation unfolds.
Contributor
Stauriana Kouskouvelakou
Website
https://www.artoopaspartoo.gr/
Links
artsoot@gmail.com
Self-description of contributor and his/her offers
Stauriana Kouskouvelakou studied the art of theatre at the Drama School in Thessaloniki and Athens. She attended seminars in music-kinetic education, theatrical improvisation, Alexander technique, Commedia dell'Arte, theatrical acting and directing. She has worked in the theatre for several years and has appeared in television and cinema. While watching a puppet show, she met and fell in love with puppetry. She was taught how to make and animate a puppet by professional puppetry teachers, as she participated in seminars and workshops on special puppet making techniques, making a puppet in yarn, black theatre technique, performance lighting, etc. For over a decade, she has been involved in puppetry, has collaborated with professional troupes, while since 2009 she is a founding member of the ArtooPaspartoo group, and together with Spyros Karras, they create puppet shows.
The artist offers the workshop by request, and those who are interested please contact the artist.
Art category
Performing Arts
Spoken language
Greek
Artist's picture
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