Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Which therapy technique is the empty chair method associated with?

1. Cognitive behavior therapy

2. Gestalt therapy

3. Psychodynamic therapy

4. Solution-focused brief therapy

The correct answer is: Gestalt therapy

The empty chair method is closely associated with Gestalt therapy. This technique is used to facilitate self-awareness and emotional expression by having clients engage in a dialogue with an empty chair, which represents another person or part of themselves. By doing this, clients can explore their feelings, thoughts, and relationships more deeply, allowing for cathartic experiences and promoting a sense of integration within their psyche. Gestalt therapy focuses on the here and now, emphasizing immediate experiences and the importance of awareness in achieving personal growth. The empty chair technique exemplifies this approach by encouraging individuals to confront and express their emotions and behaviors in a safe space, facilitating a deeper understanding of their issues. The other therapeutic approaches mentioned do not typically employ this specific technique in the same way. Cognitive behavior therapy primarily focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors rather than using experiential methods like the empty chair. Psychodynamic therapy is more concerned with unconscious processes and past experiences than with direct interpersonal dialogues involving an empty chair. Solution-focused brief therapy centers on finding quick solutions to current problems rather than exploring emotions and relationships through such experiential techniques.