I recently invited a young client of mine to do something similar to the empty chair exercise but in writing. Writing notes to her younger self.
This exercise is also quite similar to IFS, in which the therapist helps these different parts communicate with each other and process trauma. The empty chair exercise may be more appropriate in certain situations and with younger clients. I will begin utilizing it in my practice with adolescents.
Love this: "I contain a lot of contradictions. I’m a reluctant rebel. I want to people-please and be liked, but I also I don’t like to be told what to do or think. I’ll comply up to a point but if I’m pushed too far I will walk away. I used to wish I could be more bold and just say what I really think without fear of what others might think in return, but as I’ve gotten older I also appreciate that more cautious side of myself. I do care what others think, and I don’t think that’s a bad quality. I care about others and I hope they will care about me too. That’s not a weakness."
Heartbreakingly beautiful. Both/and. Thank you.
Thank you for this. Absolutely brilliant.
I recently invited a young client of mine to do something similar to the empty chair exercise but in writing. Writing notes to her younger self.
This exercise is also quite similar to IFS, in which the therapist helps these different parts communicate with each other and process trauma. The empty chair exercise may be more appropriate in certain situations and with younger clients. I will begin utilizing it in my practice with adolescents.
Love this: "I contain a lot of contradictions. I’m a reluctant rebel. I want to people-please and be liked, but I also I don’t like to be told what to do or think. I’ll comply up to a point but if I’m pushed too far I will walk away. I used to wish I could be more bold and just say what I really think without fear of what others might think in return, but as I’ve gotten older I also appreciate that more cautious side of myself. I do care what others think, and I don’t think that’s a bad quality. I care about others and I hope they will care about me too. That’s not a weakness."