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CC22 Keynote 03 - Updating the Empty Chair Psychodrama within Couple Therapy - Stan Tatkin, PsyD

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Topic Areas:
Keynotes |  Attachment |  Couples Therapy |  Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT)
Categories:
Couples Conference |  Pioneers in Couples and Family Therapy |  Couples Conference 2022
Faculty:
Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT
Duration:
1:02:37
Format:
Audio Only
Original Program Date:
Jun 25, 2022
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Tags: Collaborative Alliance Narrative Therapy Observation PACT Psychotherapeutic Framework Regulation Strategies Strategic Interventions Tailoring Therapist Use of Self Utilization

Description

The empty chair psychodrama was first made popular by Fritz Perls, founder of Gestalt therapy. It has since been adapted into Redecision Therapy, The Developmental Model, Voice Dialogue, Family Constellation, and even Cognitive-Behavioral therapy. PACT has adapted this approach for use within the couple session when consistent projection or projective identification processes impede the forward development of one or both partners. This particular technique uses Self and Object Relations theory to capture real time archaic self and object representations that maintain an ego syntonic, regressed relationship with one (or more) original caregiver(s). The psychodrama provides an opportunity for the couple therapist to bring this maladaptive early relationship to light and to make strides toward ego dystonic rejection of the regressive behavior.

Learning Objectives:

1. To be able to describe the empty chair psychodrama set up.

2. To be able to detail the task of the empty chair exercise and describe the goal.

3. To be able to identify the real time self and object representations that arise during the psychodrama.

Outline:

Introduction and Overview

  • Tatkin’s keynote focuses on the empty chair technique and its role in relational work.

Empty Chair Technique: Origins and Purpose

  • Rooted in Gestalt therapy and psychodrama; used to externalize internal parts or significant others.

  • Aids in understanding internalized relationships and object relations theory.

  • Promotes self-awareness by making unconscious dynamics visible.

Neurological and Cognitive Foundations

  • Emphasizes the development of a "witness state" (reflective self-awareness).

  • Linked to cognitive science, AI, and adult attachment interviews.

  • Helps integrate emotional and neurological pathways for deeper insight.

Use in Couples Therapy

  • Helps partners recognize projections and unresolved past relationships.

  • Each partner benefits from externalizing key figures or dynamics in the relationship.

  • Goal: Shift ego-syntonic (comfortably familiar) patterns to ego-dystonic (clearly problematic).

Video Demonstration

  • Tatkin shows an empty chair exercise conducted via telehealth.

  • Subject reenacts past dynamics by addressing a parent in the empty chair.

  • Focus on adult self-activation and examining old emotional patterns with “adult eyes.”

Analysis of Example

  • Subject confronts unresolved feelings toward her mother’s passive-aggressive behavior.

  • Therapist supports differentiation and insight into repeated relational patterns.

  • Outcome: Better understanding of current behavior and increased individuation.

Therapeutic Adjustments and Insights

  • Tatkin highlights how to refine the technique with follow-up questions and reflection.

  • Emphasizes therapist collaboration and creativity in guiding the process.

  • Goal is to help the client revise internal object representations for healing.

Q&A Session

  • Tatkin explains the need for 2–3 hours for this deep process.

  • Stresses therapist role as strategic guide—active and intentional.

  • Reinforces the importance of structure and therapeutic presence.

Final Encouragement

  • Tatkin urges therapists to try the technique despite its complexity.

  • Emphasizes therapy as a collaborative and evolving practice.

  • Closes with a reminder of the transformative power of relational work.

Credits

Faculty

Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT's Profile

Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT Related Seminars and Products

Stan Tatkin, PsyD, MFT, is a clinician, researcher, teacher, and developer of A Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT®). He has a clinical practice in Calabasas, CA, where he has specialized for the last 15 years in working with couples and individuals who wish to be in relationships. He and his wife, Tracey Boldemann-Tatkin, developed the PACT Institute for the purpose of training other psychotherapists to use this method in their clinical practice.

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