This training is designed to give you practical tools for integrating chair-work into your therapeutic approach. Rooted in Gestalt therapy and expanded across various therapeutic models, the empty chair technique is a powerful intervention that enhances clients’ emotional processing, self-awareness, and resolution of internal conflicts. This training will explore foundational concepts, demonstrate core techniques and provide opportunities for hands-on practice. You will learn how to adapt chair-work for diverse clinical issues such as trauma, grief, anxiety, and self-criticism, while maintaining a safe and collaborative therapeutic space. By the end of the training, you will have the confidence to apply these techniques effectively, fostering transformative change in your clients’ lives.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Identify the components of Gestalt-oriented chair work.
- Explain how the empty chair technique is used to address various mental health symptoms.
- Apply the empty chair technique in clinical practice.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective 1: Identify the components of Gestalt-oriented chair-work.
- History of chair work
- The theory behind parts work
Objective 2: Explain how the empty chair technique is used to address various mental health symptoms.
- What are appropriate ways to introduce this technique?
- What symptoms are best served by the empty chair technique?
- Contraindications
Objective 3: Apply the empty chair technique in clinical practice.
- Examples of parts work
- Examples of role-reversals
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 hours of Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: February 10, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com