Chairwork

Abstract

This chapter defines, illustrates, and reviews the research evidence on the effectiveness of chairwork in individual psychotherapy. Meta-analyses and narrative syntheses were conducted for process as well as symptom outcomes. Single-session chairwork was more effective in deepening client experiencing than empathic responding (d = 0.90) but similarly effective as other methods for facilitating emotional arousal and shifting the credibility of core beliefs. A single session of chairwork also demonstrated noteworthy pre-to-post symptom change (d = 1.73), although these improvements were comparable to those of other methods (d = 0.02). The chapter concludes with diversity considerations, research limitations, training implications, and, based on the research, recommended therapeutic practices.