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

Summary

The role-play explores a client’s shopping addiction and her fear that, despite serious consequences, she has not yet reached a “rock bottom” that will make her stop. She describes shopping as a temporary way to ease emotional pain, while recognizing that it may lead to financial hardship, damaged relationships, and homelessness.

Empty-Chair Technique

The therapist guides the client through the Gestalt empty-chair technique:

1. Imagine her current self sitting in an empty chair.
2. Speak as her future self, 20 years later, describing what may happen if the shopping continues.
3. Switch perspectives and respond as her current self, acknowledging both the difficulty of stopping and the emotional pain that shopping temporarily relieves.
4. Reflect on the feelings raised by the exchange.

Reflection

The client says that imagining her future self made the consequences feel more real and increased her motivation to try to change. The session ends with an invitation to reflect on those thoughts and feelings before continuing the work at the next appointment.

Presenters and Source

Dr. Todd Grande is the therapist and presenter. Sofia, the client, is portrayed by an actress.

Source: Gestalt Therapy Role-Play – Empty Chair Technique with Future Self