Gestalt Therapy - The Empty Chair Technique

[LesPaul2006]

What happens when it is extremely hard and painful to put those feelings into words? Almost as if the brain didn't respond? What can a therapist do in such case?

[davidalvis2002]

@LesPaul2006 You ask questions.... specific to the problem..

[pillarskillet11]

More staged



[davidalvis2002]

@pillarskillet11 It WASSSS staged...she was acting! You think I could legally post a REAL session?

[Huntsong64]

Personally, this technique would make me very self conscious and not want to come back. I think one of the best strategies is to ask the patient if it's okay with them to do these things. They might view it as being forced to and become resentful, which is really not a mood therapists want to inspire. Sure, they want to help people yada yada ... But this IS their job and they DO do it for a living. Humans don't like to be uncomfortable, and they do like to have a choice.

[davidalvis2002]

@Huntsong64 I agree with the fact that this technique does make the client feel uncomfortable.... they don't like it at all but it does help them to realize and understand the other side's points of view...

[degueva]

exelente mi david....  se ve que realmente acompañas compadre felicidades!!!!

[davidalvis2002]

@degueva :0)

[SocialWorkify]

David I think you did a great job. I agree about the desk, it distances you too much from the client. But I think the Gestalt techniques you are using are great !

[davidalvis2002]

@SocialWorkify Thanks much! :)

[lokero77]

terapia gestal pablo:

creo que la terapia gestalt es un muy buen tratamiento.

considero que a muchas personas le haria muy bien este tipo de terapia , especilamente las neuroticas.

[saltbear]

is gestalt therapy a sect thing???

[Marigoldous]

Came to watch the video (learning about gestalt techniques) but totally off topic, you're a good looking guy David. :-)

[davidalvis2002]

@Marigoldous haha thanks ;0)

[hotkafka]

An honorable attempt, however a more experienced Gestalt Therapist would probably not allow the client to entertain such schmaltz - instead the therapist would ikely amplify focus on the process and the energy driving the client's insecurities.

[davidalvis2002]

Well # 1.....I am not an extremely experienced therapist..... I am in graduate school learning how to do so. This "schmaltz" you speak of is actually a technique.....maybe you should google Gestalt and do some reading. Kthanxbai ;-)

[hotkafka]

I am actually a Gestalt intern in a graduate program deeply rooted in Gestalt Therapy. First, the foundation of Gestalt is keeping the client in the Here and Now. One of the primary purposes of using the chair is to help the client explore any polarities that might exist in their experience of a particular issue, and that particular issue should be explored in the present. Change or growth is inextricably linked to increasing a clients awareness of feelings in this Here and Now.

[Lokussapiens]

and where is the energy and where is the insecurity?

[weaveamyweave08]

One major "road block" I have, is actually telling people my thoughts/feelings in actual "words" as oppose to writing. (which I do a lot better with!) How did it work for me? I didn't think that I actually "did" it, but my therapist said I did it exactly how I was "suppose to" & I did a great job." 1 thing I really like about Gestalt is that no matter what I say or do, Kirk gets the info he needs to help me continue to move forward. I think it did help in an "odd" sort of way.

[weaveamyweave08]

My therapist had me doing this yesterday....the only problem was, the e.d. has me so "blocked" I literally could not speak! (it was kind of embarrassing as well.)

[davidalvis2002]

Yes it is a little embarrassing ;-) but just pretend like you're really talking to the other person and it helps! I wish I had of sat beside of her rather than sitting on the other side of the desk. How do you think it worked for you, when your therapist used this method with you?