The client speaks to an imagined person, a part of themselves, or an image, seated on the empty chair across from them. The therapist may ask the client to switch chairs and answer on behalf of the other. The technique rests on the idea that all elements of a conflict, dream, or fantasy are parts of the client. The empty chair turns the past, or what is internal, into a live dialogue here-and-now.
Step-by-step guide
- Identify the object: a person, a part of the personality, an emotion, or a belief
- Ask the client to imagine the object sitting on the chair across
- The client speaks straight to the chair: "I am angry at you, because."
- The therapist invites a switch: "Now sit on their chair. What would you answer? Be them."
- Several cycles back and forth, until integration or relief comes
- Closure: awareness, reconciliation, or farewell
When to use
- Unspoken hurts toward people — alive, deceased, or gone
- Ambivalent relationships: love and hate at the same time
- An inner critic that gets in the way and works against the client
- Unfinished relationships in which the words were never said
- Dream work: a dialogue with a frightening figure
Key phrases
Imagine [name/part] is sitting right here, on this chair. Speak straight to them — what would you want to say?
Follow-up questions
Now move to their chair. How would they answer? Be them.
What is happening in your body as you say this?
Come back to your chair. Do you hear their answer? What does it stir in you?
Alternative phrasings
Speak to your fear as to a person sitting in front of you.
Right now, you are your critic. What do you want to say to the part that is afraid?
What would you want to say to your mother, if you could — right now?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Acute psychotic states: the client may lose the line between real and imagined
- ⚠️ Deep dissociation: it can deepen fragmentation
- ⚠️ Active PTSD: stabilize first, experiment later
- ⚠️ A first session in an acute crisis: too intense
- ⚠️ Do not impose if the client actively resists imagery
Source: Perls, 1969; Polster & Polster, 1973; Zinker, 1977
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.