Ambivalence towards change is a common challenge for psychotherapists. Drawing on theories of cognition and emotion, this review paper presents an integrative framework for understanding ambivalence and how it can be resolved in psychotherapy.
The review introduces the transtherapeutic concept of ‘motivational chairwork’, which includes three specific techniques (empty-chair, two-chair, and role-play formats) that focus on addressing motivation. These techniques are described using the example of ambivalence within the context of anorexia nervosa. The paper also discusses future research directions and clinical implications of this approach.
View the review paper
Pugh, M., & Salter, C. (2018). ‘Motivational chairwork: An experiential approach to resolving ambivalence’ European Journal of Counselling Theory, Research and Practice, 2, 7, 1-15.
Retrieved from: http://www.europeancounselling.eu/volumes/volume-2-2018/volume-2-article-7/