Gestalt Therapy Role-Play - Empty Chair Technique with Past Self

I think this is a great example and a great technique to utilize since it is so difficult for people to recover from past abuse and trauma. I think this can be a healing process for them.

This technique does a great job at showing the client how to explore their past, and helps them see how past events may be impacting their present self.

I am glad that the empty chair technique was stopped after a couple exchanges of conversation between the client and her past image of herself. I didn't think the client could take much more, and it seemed like things were getting too deep and painful. It is helpful that the counselor can control the time spent using techniques like this one, depending on the client. I am surprised that the client stated that she was somewhat relieved with her anger after using the technique. I don't think this will be the case with many other clients, and I think the counselor should be prepared for the client to feel worse after this technique, before she starts to feel better. The counselor should have some tissues at hand and be prepared for the client to become more upset. I would like to see a role-play where the ending is not so happy and light-hearted because when I am a counselor, I want to have the skills to counsel the client who is distressed and learn how to appropriately deal with this and wrap up a session. Also, if the technique does not go well afterwards I don't think I would assign homework to reflect on her feelings during the technique. I do love the empty chair technique, but I realize how I would have to use it wisely.

I think internal family systems from Schwartz offers important skills needed in this situation. The younger part needed to be heard with compassion and to be heard thanked for the job she tried to do, to let go of wound energy, be brought into present, and trust that the more mature self could handle such a situation with newer problem solving skills. This work didn’t feel at all completed.

You see that she understood and felt more calm and relaxed as soon as she crossed her legs🙏🏻

I couldn't do this. I think this would be a difficult exercise for many people, not because of the lack of imagination but because people, including myself don't want to meet up with different parts of ourselves. We're so afraid or angry and prefer to live in a compartmentalised reality. For those who can, I can see the help it offers.

Not supposed to say " imagination " in gestalt- because it creates separation from the role play.

What an awful experience, can you imagine loving a child but knowing that as she isn't yours her abusive father will get her if you make the decision to leave and keep yourself safe. :( Leaving was the right thing to do of course, but how hard it must have been.

This is really annoying me! Why is she so angry about her past self!? She did her best based on how she felt and what she knew back then! I’d be sorry for my past self and wish I could be there to tell her how she can help herself out of the bad situation rather than being angry at myself.