Dialogues from the Heart: Working with Loss, Mistreatment, and Complex Emotions in Chairwork Psychotherapy
“A broken heart is the worst. It’s like having broken ribs. Nobody can see it, but it hurts every time you breathe.” —Unknown
The pain of the heart is of central concern in the practice of psychotherapy. It is rooted both within and without – in what goes on inside of us and in what goes on between us and others. At its worst, it can feel like we are trapped in a prison – a prison which allows for no visitors.
In this Chairwork Psychotherapy workshop, we will draw on the wisdom of Psychodrama, Gestalt Therapy, and the Four Dialogues to see if there are ways for us to help those with broken, damaged, or traumatized hearts.
More specifically, we will explore how Chairwork can help with:
- Grief and Loss – Using Role Reversal dialogues (Sadness)
- Mistreatment and Abuse – Using Confrontation Dialogues (Anger and Fear)
- Difficult Relationships – Using Role Reversal and Self-Doubling (Frustration)
- Mixed Feelings – Using Rhombic Dialogues (Ambivalence)
- Change and Betrayal – Using Vector Dialogues (Shock)
Additional Details:
- 6 CEs (live attendance required)
- Dates: June 20 & 21, 2025
- Times: 11am - 2:00pm ET / 8am - 11:00am PT
- Workshop recordings will be shared with all registered participants and available for 30 days.
We are excited to be able to share and demonstrate how Chairwork Psychotherapy can be a force for healing and restoration for those living with this profound and dreadful kind of distress.
Participants will learn immediately applicable experiential techniques via the use of clinical storytelling, group practice, and unrehearsed, live clinical demonstrations.
This event is intended for behavioral health professionals, including Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, and MFT's. Grad students and interns are also welcome.