empty chair/chairworks

[Pagey]

My therapist wants me to consider doing an empty chair session, where I imagine a person (who causes me stress) is in the empty chair and I pour out my emotions and talk as if that person is in front of me.. It sounds a little silly. Has anyone been involved with something like this and what was the resilt? thanks

[lynx]

I do that a lot in my imagination. If you dare speak, it might help, I think.

[Pagey]

ummm to hear it aloud ah!

[lynx]

Yeah, to hear it aloud. And I suppose your therapist is there too to hear what you're saying? Could help analyse a lot of rage going on inside of you.

[Fry]

it sounds like it could be really effective. i've never done it myself though.
good luck
xx

[Stellata]

Yes, I've done this in training, and also once in my own therapy. In the training situation it felt very contrived, but, individually, with a therapist you trust, it can be very powerful. In training I watched other people do it, and it was quite amazing what came up.

[Pagey]

thanks guys... you make it sound less scary

[Merc]

It does sound like it could be effective.
I understand tho, the feeling of it being a bit 'silly'; felt the same when one T asked me to imagine the 'little me' and talk to her...O.o
It's certainly worth a try and if you find it not helping/too uncomfortable you can always speak to the T and decide whether to continue with it or not.
Good luck.

[redhead22]

I know this thread was posted a while ago but I have actually done this when I was in the hospital with a therapist and you would be surprised as to what comes up....your therapist will help guide the conversation between you and the "empty" chair but you will end up realizing things you had never realized before...I'd say go for it...good luck.