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

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

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.

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.

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.

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..

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.