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Two-Chair Perspective Switch
Sit in your chair, then mentally move to the other person's chair and retell the situation from their view.
Goal
Move past your single interpretation by building a second, complete interpretation from the other side, even if you still disagree.
Steps
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1
Sit in one chair. Describe the situation in first person from start to end.
Expected Outcome
Immediate
You find at least one piece of information about the other that was not clear before.
Evidence base
School: Gestalt Therapy / Empty Chair
Founders: Fritz Perls · Laura Perls (1951)
The two-chair technique from Fritz Perls's Gestalt therapy, proven effective for internal conflict and empathy growth.
Keywords
Frequently asked questions
How long does "Two-Chair Perspective Switch" take?
This exercise takes about 10 minutes, practiced solo in a Written reflection format.
When will I notice the effect of "Two-Chair Perspective Switch"?
You find at least one piece of information about the other that was not clear before. In the short term: Within two weeks, negative feelings toward a specific person ease because you built them a "reasonable story".
Is "Two-Chair Perspective Switch" evidence-based?
Yes — it draws on Gestalt Therapy / Empty Chair (Fritz Perls, Laura Perls (1951)). The two-chair technique from Fritz Perls's Gestalt therapy, proven effective for internal conflict and empathy growth.
Is "Two-Chair Perspective Switch" suitable for beginners?
Its difficulty level is: Intermediate. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.
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