Which technique is commonly used in gestalt therapy to explore inner conflict by assigning different roles?

Which technique is commonly used in gestalt therapy to explore inner conflict by assigning different roles?

• A. Free Association
• B. The Role-Switch Technique
• C. The Empty Chair Technique
• D. Guided Visualization

Answer: (C)

In gestalt therapy, inner conflict is explored by turning abstract feelings into a concrete dialogue between different parts of the self using an empty chair. The client imagines a person or a part of themselves occupying that chair and speaks from that perspective, then switches to the other chair to respond. This role-switching makes the opposing voices tangible in the here and now, so emotions surface and the client can observe how the parts interact. By continually alternating perspectives, the client experiences a co‑presence of both sides, which often leads to greater awareness, reduced internal tension, and a path toward integration and self-acceptance. Free Association tends to pull thoughts outward without the structured dialogue between conflicting parts. Guided Visualization emphasizes imagery rather than a direct, in-the-moment exchange between voices. The Role-Switch Technique, while touching on shifting perspectives, is not the specific, widely recognized setup used in gestalt therapy to externalize and work through inner conflict—the empty chair arrangement is.

In gestalt therapy, inner conflict is explored by turning abstract feelings into a concrete dialogue between different parts of the self using an empty chair. The client imagines a person or a part of themselves occupying that chair and speaks from that perspective, then switches to the other chair to respond. This role-switching makes the opposing voices tangible in the here and now, so emotions surface and the client can observe how the parts interact. By continually alternating perspectives, the client experiences a co‑presence of both sides, which often leads to greater awareness, reduced internal tension, and a path toward integration and self-acceptance.

Free Association tends to pull thoughts outward without the structured dialogue between conflicting parts. Guided Visualization emphasizes imagery rather than a direct, in-the-moment exchange between voices. The Role-Switch Technique, while touching on shifting perspectives, is not the specific, widely recognized setup used in gestalt therapy to externalize and work through inner conflict—the empty chair arrangement is.