ABSTRACT
Chair work refers to a group of experiential, psychotherapeutic methods that utilise chairs, their positioning, and the client’s movement between them. Chair work forms an integral part of compassion focused therapy (CFT) and is used to differentiate, integrate, and transform threat-based processes via compassionate relating. This chapter highlights how the core principles and processes of chair-work practice (self-multiplicity, embodiment and personification, and dialogue between internal parts or patterns) can be used to complement and support the aims of CFT. Core CFT chair-work exercises will be outlined in detail to aid practical application; these exercises include: two-chair self-compassion; chair work for self-criticism; and ‘multiple selves’ for addressing threat-based emotions. Novel forms of CFT chair work will also be introduced and contextualised, including the use of chair work to explore blocks to compassion and to enhance motivation. Recent research on the therapeutic relationship and process skills in CFT chair work will be outlined to support clinicians in their delivery of this powerful method.
