Psychiatr. praxi. 2020;21(3):155-164 | DOI: 10.36290/psy.2020.027

Working with modes using chairs in schematherapy

PhDr. Marie Ocisková, Ph.D.¹, prof. MUDr. Ján Praško, CSc.^1,2,3, doc. PhDr. Miloš Šlepecký, Ph.D.^2,4, PhDr. Antonia Kotianová, Ph.D.⁴, PhDr. Michaela Chupáčová⁴, PhDr. Marta Zaťková, Ph.D.², PhDr. Michal Kotian⁴

¹ Klinika psychiatrie, Lékařská fakulta, Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci, Fakultní nemocnice Olomouc, Česká republika

² Univerzita Konštantína Filozofa v Nitre, Fakulta sociálnych vied a zdravotnictva, Katedra psychologických vied, Slovenská republika

³ Katedra psychoterapie, Institut postgraduálního vzdělávání ve zdravotnictví, Praha, Česká republika

⁴ Slovenský inštitút schematerapie, Liptovský Mikuláš, Slovenská republika

Chairwork contains techniques of classical psychodrama (empty chair, change of roles, double, mirroring), as well as specific schema therapeutic approaches related to working with schema modes. Modes are complex patterns of emotional experience, thinking, bodily reactions, and behaviors that occur after activation of an early maladaptive schema. Chairwork is useful for easier identification of individual modes and their associated thoughts, experiences, and behaviors. This allows to increase self-reflection and subsequently self-control. In the case of internal conflicts, it is possible to conduct dialogues between the individual modes, where the patient moves between the chairs of the particular modes. This article discusses various options for using chairs to conduct mode dialogues and help the patient to increase their self-reflection and constructive behavior.

Keywords: chair work, schematherapy, modes, early maladaptive schemas.

Published: December 10, 2020  Show citation