Author – Sadhana Singh, Counselling Psychologist
Editor – EmptyCare team
Therapists use a variety of techniques and tools to help their clients achieve their goals and improve their mental health. Gestalt therapy is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the importance of the individual's personal responsibility and the present moment in the therapeutic process. Developed by Fritz Perls, in the 1940s, it is a holistic approach that seeks to integrate an individual's emotions, thoughts, and behaviours and one of its essential techniques is known as the Empty Chair Technique. It is a form of role-playing in which the therapist encourages the client to imagine an absent person in an "empty chair" and to speak to that person as if they were present. The technique is used to help clients process unresolved feelings and emotions related to past experiences, particularly those involving people who have played a significant role in the client's life. The technique can also be used to help clients develop healthier communication skills and improve their relationships with others.
The Empty Chair technique is useful in bringing unconscious thoughts and emotions to the surface. It helps us to understand and acknowledge behaviours that we may not be aware of. By using this technique in conflict situations, it allows us to see and understand the perspectives of others, which can lead to a deeper understanding and resolution of the conflict.
Process of Empty Chair technique
Why Empty Chair?
Clients frequently express concerns about the potential negative consequences of expressing their feelings to the person they are addressing. They may worry about retaliation, an increased negative response, or pushing the person away. For example, a client who desires approval from their parent may fear that expressing anger towards them may result in further rejection or estrangement.
However, this resistance may be due to a lack of comfort with sharing personal thoughts and feelings. As a therapist, I may assist clients in starting the exercise by demonstrating the technique using past statements from the client and encouraging them to continue. I may also model expressing emotions loudly and without reservation to show that it is acceptable to express oneself fully. Once the client begins sharing, they may be surprised by the number of pent-up emotions they have and feel a sense of relief. When the client begins to express themselves, they often find that they have a lot to say and may not have realized it before. It is important to remind them that by becoming comfortable with sharing, they are allowing long-held feelings and thoughts to be released and acknowledged.
The Empty Chair technique allows for the expression of anger and other strong emotions without fear of how it will be received and can lead to the release of repressed feelings and the ability to express oneself more easily in real-life situations. It also allows them to practice communication skills and to gain insight into their relationships with others. Through this, the client can work through the emotions and feelings related to the person and their past experience. The therapist then guides the client to integrate these feelings into their present life and to develop healthier communication skills and relationships.
I will encourage clients to continue this exercise as necessary. For instance, talking aloud to a past frustration while driving, or while alone on a walk. Many clients report feeling relieved and able to better express themselves in real life with the person after practicing this technique.
Uses of Empty Chair technique
The technique is called "Empty Chair technique" and it is a way to express emotions and feelings without worrying about how it will be perceived later. The main idea is to just let it out. This technique is a way for individuals to express their thoughts and emotions freely, even if they may be hesitant to do so in real-life interactions. It allows them to imagine themselves in other person's position and to experiment with different emotions and perspectives. This technique can be helpful in reducing tension in conflicts and promoting understanding of others. It is a safe way to gain new insights about oneself and others. If you think you can benefit from this technique, consult your therapist as they are the most suitable judge of that.
