Gestalt Therapy Role-Play - Two-Chair Technique with Angry Part of Self

Gestalt Therapy Two-Chair Technique

The video demonstrates a Gestalt therapy two-chair technique. James describes feeling jittery and as though he might “explode.” The counselor invites him to imagine his angry side in a second chair and move between chairs to speak from each perspective.

Exploring Anger

• Give the feeling a voice: James tells the angry part that it makes him worry he’ll lose control, disrupt work, or frighten others.
• Explore what anger may be communicating: Speaking as the angry part, James suggests anger could help him stand up for himself and signal when others are crossing a line.
• Consider expressing anger in degrees: The angry part proposes that James need not let anger take over completely; he could express some anger to make his point.
• Identify triggers and reactions: James plans to notice what others do, what specifically upsets him, and whether his anger is about their behavior or hurt feelings.
• Look for a more effective response: He wants to communicate frustration without coming across as aggressive and integrate anger into his sense of self rather than fear it.
• Practice between sessions: The counselor suggests observing and testing these ideas in interactions with someone James trusts, then discussing what he learns at the next session.

By the end, James says he feels calmer and less jittery. He also recognizes that he needs skills for expressing anger effectively.

Presenters and Sources

• Dr. Todd Grande: Counselor in the role-play
• James: Client role, portrayed by an unnamed actor