Gestalt Interventions for Trauma Healing: Applying the Empty Chair Technique in Trauma-Focused Therapy
3 Hours, 0 Minutes
Sunday, March 8th, 2026 1:45 PM EDT -4:45 PM EDT Dr. Karol Darsa
Sunday, March 8th, 2026 1:45 PM EDT -4:45 PM EDT Dr. Karol Darsa
3 CE Credits
Price
Paid
$59.99
Yahoo!
Description
The empty chair technique—one of the most well-known Gestalt interventions—offers clinicians a direct, experiential way to help clients resolve unfinished business, integrate conflicting parts of the self, and restore internal balance. This workshop will demonstrate how to use chairwork safely and effectively, particularly when working with trauma survivors who struggle with self-fragmentation, shame, and relational wounds.
Through live demonstration, guided exercises, and group discussion, participants will explore how to facilitate dialogues between polarized parts of the self (e.g., inner critic vs. wounded child), integrate body awareness, and use grounding to prevent dissociation. The class will combine theory with practice, helping clinicians develop confidence in pacing, language, and emotional containment while using the empty chair technique within a trauma-informed framework.
About the Presenter:
Dr. Karol Darsa, is an accomplished trauma psychologist. In her over-25 year career in trauma and mental health disorders, Dr. Darsa published The Trauma Map: Five Steps to Reconnect With Yourself, The Trauma Bridge: Reconnecting Body and Mind for clinicians and their clients, founded the Reconnect Trauma Treatment Center, and created the Reconnect Integrative Trauma Treatment Model (RITTM).
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the theoretical foundations and clinical principles of the Gestalt empty chair technique.
- Apply chairwork interventions to enhance emotional integration and reduce internal conflict in clients with trauma histories.
- Implement grounding and body-awareness strategies during chairwork to maintain safety and prevent dissociative activation.
Agenda:
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Accreditation - This Webinar Offers 3 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0122.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0129.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0325.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0275.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0774.
This presentation is open to:
- Behavior Analysts
- Social Workers
- Professional Counselors
- Therapists
- Psychologists
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
- Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
- Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
This online class is offered at an intermediate level, and is beneficial for an intermediate level clinician:
- New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
- Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
- Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
- Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives
Additional information
- Refunds: Registrants who are unable to attend a Talli Rosenbaum seminar or live webinars may ask for, and will receive, a credit or refund (your choice). Refund requests will be processed within 3 business days. When an attendee knows in advance that they are unable to attend we ask that they inform Talli Rosenbaum ahead of time by emailing TalliRosenbaum@TherapistExpress.com or by calling or texting 607-249-4585 (Webinar Support) this allows us to free up the spot in the training in the event that a training is at or near capacity.
- Disability Access: If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification.
- Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly.
- The grievance policy for trainings provided by Talli Rosenbaum is available here
- Satisfactory Completion: Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion in your account or by clicking here
- Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.
- There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
- System Requirements: Any device (such as a computer, tablet, or phone), Dual-Core 2 GHz or higher processor, and at least 4 GB of RAM capable of running a Zoom session, along with a stable internet connection.
- Although early registration is recommended for this class in order to ensure the best experience, attendees may register and join until the start of the program