Two-chair is a very powerful work that many schools of psychotherapy have borrowed from Gestalt therapy and psychodrama. In therapy, two chair work takes a person into the past to resolve unfinished issues. It could however, be very effectively adapted for coaching.
One application of this when clients experience conflicts within themselves, when they are of “two minds,” or when they are “at war with themselves.” Splits or conflicts often involve issues of desire and criticism or of desire, fear, and criticism.
These kinds of situations involve a harsh and critical voice (also known as the “inner critic”). In this two chair work, one chair embodies the critic, and the person speaks from this perspective while in the chair. In the other chair, which is known as the experiencing chair, the person expresses how it feels to be criticized. An example of is of a client who wanted to get back to her writing and found herself procrastinating because she would make very high demands of herself. She was able to have dialogue between the critic and the creative side of herself. She discovered that both sides were frightened of each other. She was able to work out moderated bursts of creativity that did not allow her critical side to be overwhelmed.
Another kind of inner dilemma can be found around decisions. Indecision may reflect a conflict between two values or choices in the future. Decisions to take a new job or stay in the current one may not have a clear right or wrong answer. Having each chair represent a side of the argument and having the client speak from that perspective (“I want to stay in my current job,” “I want to take the new job”) can help him or her get a clearer sense of the emotional valence of each side as well as some historical factors and introjects that may be contributing to the indecision.
Yes, two-chair work in coaching can be very powerful. If the coach has developed a safe container which allows the client to trust the process and let go, very helpful information can be discovered. Two contrasting inner selves can hear each other, reflect what they hear, and begin to have greater compassion for one another. Previously unwelcome thoughts, feelings, and behaviors become less threatening. A client can begin to see these as cries for help from a stressed inner self. A new relationship can be forged between these inner selves. They can negotiate deals with one another so that each gets more of what they want, while enjoying life even more. Powerful work when done with a skilled coach who knows the territory and can help you explore and map out your own inner terrain. Our inner landscapes vary widely, each a fingerprint of our soul, expressing uniquely. I'd love to hear some insight from others who are deep in the journey of waking up to themselves.
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