Empty chair script

The empty chair method is a therapeutic technique commonly used in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and other forms of psychotherapy, particularly when dealing with feelings of grief.

This exercise provides an outlet for pent-up emotions and facilitates the grieving process through clarification of thoughts and feelings about the loss and enhancing understanding and closure regarding the relationship with the deceased. Clients often feel a sense of empowerment as they confront their grief and articulate their feelings.

Overview of the empty chair method

The empty chair method aligns with ACT principles by helping clients to acknowledge their grief and related emotions without avoidance. It encourages acceptance of the loss and commitment to moving forward in life while still honouring the memory of the deceased.

The empty chair method works like this:

• Setting: The therapist sets up an empty chair in the therapy room, symbolising a person who has died or a significant figure related to the client’s grief.
• Role play: The client is encouraged to imagine that the deceased or significant person is sitting in the chair. This can involve speaking to the empty chair as if the person were present, expressing thoughts, feelings, and unresolved issues.
• Emotional expression: The client can share their grief, anger, love, and any other emotions related to the loss. This allows for a safe space to express feelings that may have been difficult to articulate otherwise.
• Perspective taking: The therapist may guide the client to switch roles, encouraging them to respond from the perspective of the person in the chair. This can help in understanding the relationship dynamics and the feelings of the deceased.