Specific effects of Gestalt two-chair dialogue on intrapsychic conflict in counseling.

Examined the differential effects of the Gestalt 2-chair intervention (G2) and emphatic reflections of feeling on client depth of experiencing, reported change in awareness, level of discomfort, conflict resolution, reported behavior change, and progress. Three Gestalt-oriented and 7 eclectically-oriented counselors and 16 20–46 yr old clients were used as their own controls, and each of the interventions was applied to each S to help resolve conflicts expressed in counseling sessions. Results show that depth of experiencing shifts in awareness, and reported conflict resolution after the session and in a 1-wk follow-up were greater for G2 treatment. Reported behavior change after 1 wk and progress over 1 wk were also significantly greater for G2. Level of discomfort after the session was not significantly different for the 2 treatments. Results support claims for the efficacy of G2 used in the context of a good working relationship in helping to resolve intrapsychic conflicts. In addition, it appeared that trained counselors' level of experience with the method did not influence the effectiveness of G2.