Gestalt Therapists in Chicago, IL

Photo of Jerome P Wagner, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Jerome P Wagner
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60626
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist. In my 25+ years as a psychotherapist I've come to appreciate the wisdom found in various therapeutic models. So I've developed an integrative approach. I believe it's important to tailor the therapy to the individual. Our past, present, and future all influence our choices and behaviors. So I find it helpful to put on trifocals to see where we're at, how we got here, and where we want to go. As social beings our interpersonal relationships are vital to our well-being and happiness. Sometimes our interpersonal style helps us connect with others; sometimes it gets in the way of our relationships. Checking out our personality style is often beneficial. As individuals we are unfolding in our own unique way and I believe there is an inner wisdom that leads us to who we are and what we really desire. Sometimes we get disconnected from ourselves and need to get back in touch by looking inward.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist. In my 25+ years as a psychotherapist I've come to appreciate the wisdom found in various therapeutic models. So I've developed an integrative approach. I believe it's important to tailor the therapy to the individual. Our past, present, and future all influence our choices and behaviors. So I find it helpful to put on trifocals to see where we're at, how we got here, and where we want to go. As social beings our interpersonal relationships are vital to our well-being and happiness. Sometimes our interpersonal style helps us connect with others; sometimes it gets in the way of our relationships. Checking out our personality style is often beneficial. As individuals we are unfolding in our own unique way and I believe there is an inner wisdom that leads us to who we are and what we really desire. Sometimes we get disconnected from ourselves and need to get back in touch by looking inward.
(847) 400-6507 View (847) 400-6507
Photo of Erika La Frano, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Erika La Frano
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60626  (Online Only)
My approach to psychotherapy is culturally responsive, collaborative, and evidence based. If you find yourself experiencing anxiety, depression, burn out, relational stress, and difficulty coping with change, you are not alone. Together, we will work to set measurable and realistic goals that align with your values and cultural beliefs. I am licensed in California and Illinois.
My approach to psychotherapy is culturally responsive, collaborative, and evidence based. If you find yourself experiencing anxiety, depression, burn out, relational stress, and difficulty coping with change, you are not alone. Together, we will work to set measurable and realistic goals that align with your values and cultural beliefs. I am licensed in California and Illinois.
(805) 273-8779 View (805) 273-8779
Photo of Jenna Jablonski, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Jenna Jablonski
Counselor, MA, LCPC, CADC, CCTP, CGCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657  (Online Only)
Jenna Jablonski received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling along with an additional Certification in Substance Use Counseling from Adler University. Jenna uses an integrated, person-centered orientation to treat adults with a variety of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, panic, couples counseling, life/education/career transitions, trauma, struggles with interpersonal relationships, weight management, self-esteem and body image, chronic mental health issues, and maladaptive coping including challenges with substance use.
Jenna Jablonski received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling along with an additional Certification in Substance Use Counseling from Adler University. Jenna uses an integrated, person-centered orientation to treat adults with a variety of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, panic, couples counseling, life/education/career transitions, trauma, struggles with interpersonal relationships, weight management, self-esteem and body image, chronic mental health issues, and maladaptive coping including challenges with substance use.
(773) 832-5627 View (773) 832-5627
Photo of Rhonda N Goldman, Psychologist in Chicago, IL
Rhonda N Goldman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60603
Having practiced psychotherapy and counseling for the past 20 years, I work to form an empathic relationship with clients and form a collaborative understanding of the difficulties that brought them to therapy, and how to best solve them. The goal is to find more satisfying relationships and fulfilling ways of being in the world. I work primarily from an Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) framework, although I have been trained in a variety of different psychotherapeutic methods. EFT is an empirically-supported approach that is flexible in that it allows the integration of other methods and techniques when necessary.
Having practiced psychotherapy and counseling for the past 20 years, I work to form an empathic relationship with clients and form a collaborative understanding of the difficulties that brought them to therapy, and how to best solve them. The goal is to find more satisfying relationships and fulfilling ways of being in the world. I work primarily from an Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) framework, although I have been trained in a variety of different psychotherapeutic methods. EFT is an empirically-supported approach that is flexible in that it allows the integration of other methods and techniques when necessary.
(773) 839-6685 x634 View (773) 839-6685 x634
Photo of Dr. Heidi D Schwartz, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL
Dr. Heidi D Schwartz
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, PsyD, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60606
I hold a Masters degree in Community Counseling from Kent State University, a specialty, 3-year certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Illinois School of Professional Psychology.
I have been practicing psychotherapy for 32 years. My clinical work centers around helping people develop satisfying relationships and lifestyles. We will work collaboratively to help you heal old wounds and make insightful meaning of your patterns of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors as they impact your current functioning and relationships. I will help you develop inner strength and creativity to remedy depression, anxiety, and unhappiness. Ultimately, you will ably make intentional choices about managing your life, goals, work, and relationships.
I hold a Masters degree in Community Counseling from Kent State University, a specialty, 3-year certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Illinois School of Professional Psychology.
I have been practicing psychotherapy for 32 years. My clinical work centers around helping people develop satisfying relationships and lifestyles. We will work collaboratively to help you heal old wounds and make insightful meaning of your patterns of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors as they impact your current functioning and relationships. I will help you develop inner strength and creativity to remedy depression, anxiety, and unhappiness. Ultimately, you will ably make intentional choices about managing your life, goals, work, and relationships.
(708) 934-4279 View (708) 934-4279
Photo of Lisa Abrams, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Chicago, IL
Lisa Abrams
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LCPC, CSADC, MCAP, ICADC, CIP
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60618
Specialized Care: Addiction & Co-Occurring Counselor, Consult, Coaching, Interventions Couples & Family Counseling Support individuals for whom non-traditional approaches to treatment have been ineffective and overly constrictive (e.g. AA)
Specialized Care: Addiction & Co-Occurring Counselor, Consult, Coaching, Interventions Couples & Family Counseling Support individuals for whom non-traditional approaches to treatment have been ineffective and overly constrictive (e.g. AA)
(312) 800-1772 View (312) 800-1772
Photo of DeVona Alleyne, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL
DeVona Alleyne
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MDiv
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60601
Clients come to me and receive compassionate care without negative judgment as a means to make meaning of the events of their lives. That new understanding, gained in a supportive coaching relationship with the therapist, becomes the foundation for positive change. Open and self-aware clients tend to want validation of their thoughts and challenges to what hasn't worked. Skeptical clients tend to desire safety and assurance that someone is on their side. Regardless of the category, clients tend to get what they need from one session to the next.
Clients come to me and receive compassionate care without negative judgment as a means to make meaning of the events of their lives. That new understanding, gained in a supportive coaching relationship with the therapist, becomes the foundation for positive change. Open and self-aware clients tend to want validation of their thoughts and challenges to what hasn't worked. Skeptical clients tend to desire safety and assurance that someone is on their side. Regardless of the category, clients tend to get what they need from one session to the next.
(312) 967-9076 View (312) 967-9076
Photo of Jelena Bulic Milenovic, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL
Jelena Bulic Milenovic
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60642
Life is full of transitions and adjustments; in each of these, you deserve a safe and supportive space to talk about it in a relaxed, guided manner. I believe in the importance of language- how you talk to and about yourself and others- and in the power of stories that make life. I want to help you recognize which stories you wrote in alignment with your values and which were imposed on you by society, culture, and the people close to you. In therapy, I utilize evidence-based techniques while also recognizing that your mind is a vast universe to be approached from a philosophical and spiritual place.
Life is full of transitions and adjustments; in each of these, you deserve a safe and supportive space to talk about it in a relaxed, guided manner. I believe in the importance of language- how you talk to and about yourself and others- and in the power of stories that make life. I want to help you recognize which stories you wrote in alignment with your values and which were imposed on you by society, culture, and the people close to you. In therapy, I utilize evidence-based techniques while also recognizing that your mind is a vast universe to be approached from a philosophical and spiritual place.
(708) 726-8913 View (708) 726-8913
Photo of Tessa Beukema-Mello, LCPC, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Tessa Beukema-Mello, LCPC
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60630
Growth and change are a natural part of living, yet they can be difficult to manage. Stillness and repetition are also natural and difficult at times. Maybe you seek to feel more alive, or respond differently to the unexpected. Maybe you seek to be more still. Or maybe you just have a sense that something is not right. Therapy is a relationship that allows exploration, curiosity, and relief. Together, we will find a creative way through the obstacles you face. I look forward to working with you as life unfolds in new and wonderful ways.
Growth and change are a natural part of living, yet they can be difficult to manage. Stillness and repetition are also natural and difficult at times. Maybe you seek to feel more alive, or respond differently to the unexpected. Maybe you seek to be more still. Or maybe you just have a sense that something is not right. Therapy is a relationship that allows exploration, curiosity, and relief. Together, we will find a creative way through the obstacles you face. I look forward to working with you as life unfolds in new and wonderful ways.
(773) 823-0140 View (773) 823-0140
Photo of Agnes Svinkunas, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL
Agnes Svinkunas
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60657  (Online Only)
My ideal in therapy is to be able to set a comfortable environment in which growth can be achieved. I truly believe that a person can overcome and achieve anything that they set their mind to. I like to set an environment in which working together with the client goals can be turned into reality. I do not believe that there is a problem that is too big or small that cannot be tackled with the help of a supportive and motivating environment. Originally I am from Lithuanian that leads me to having a special interest in immigration/assimilation concerns. I have experience working with children, adolescence, and adults.
My ideal in therapy is to be able to set a comfortable environment in which growth can be achieved. I truly believe that a person can overcome and achieve anything that they set their mind to. I like to set an environment in which working together with the client goals can be turned into reality. I do not believe that there is a problem that is too big or small that cannot be tackled with the help of a supportive and motivating environment. Originally I am from Lithuanian that leads me to having a special interest in immigration/assimilation concerns. I have experience working with children, adolescence, and adults.
(708) 249-3460 View (708) 249-3460
Photo of Zibi Pawlowski, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL
Zibi Pawlowski
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MSEd, LCPC, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602
In today’s world, many tasks and responsibilities can easily become overwhelming as life throws us unexpected obstacles. We can become anxious, depressed, hopeless, feeling like there is no rhyme or reason to what we are going through, to what we are thinking and feeling, or even to life itself. We might choose to escape from our problems, angst, a sense of void, our past, or our daily thoughts through indulging in external gratifications, by using drugs and alcohol, sex, relationships, or other means. We often get stuck in our thinking, consumed by negative self-talk and perceptions of ourselves.
In today’s world, many tasks and responsibilities can easily become overwhelming as life throws us unexpected obstacles. We can become anxious, depressed, hopeless, feeling like there is no rhyme or reason to what we are going through, to what we are thinking and feeling, or even to life itself. We might choose to escape from our problems, angst, a sense of void, our past, or our daily thoughts through indulging in external gratifications, by using drugs and alcohol, sex, relationships, or other means. We often get stuck in our thinking, consumed by negative self-talk and perceptions of ourselves.
(312) 766-7670 View (312) 766-7670
Photo of Amanda C Malloni, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Amanda C Malloni
Counselor, MA, LCPC, PCGC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647
Are you feeling worried, sad, or just wanting something to change but you're not sure how to start? We all need support and guidance during challenging times! I want to help you reach your personal goals and find a life balance that you feel positive about. You are a unique person with individual strengths. Together we can discover those strengths and guide you towards healing, positive change, and self-discovery. In my professional experience a warm therapeutic relationship, solution-focused inventions, and using your individual unique strengths in a non-judgmental setting can cultivate significant change in your life!
Are you feeling worried, sad, or just wanting something to change but you're not sure how to start? We all need support and guidance during challenging times! I want to help you reach your personal goals and find a life balance that you feel positive about. You are a unique person with individual strengths. Together we can discover those strengths and guide you towards healing, positive change, and self-discovery. In my professional experience a warm therapeutic relationship, solution-focused inventions, and using your individual unique strengths in a non-judgmental setting can cultivate significant change in your life!
(773) 649-1008 View (773) 649-1008
Photo of Christopher Legan, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Christopher Legan
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60629
Good Day! My name is Christopher Legan and I have been practicing as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for the last 20 years. I have worked with children, elderly and adults with issues including anxiety, depression, coping skills, stress, and many more. My approach is an integrative style with proficiencies in CBT, DBT, Rational Emotive, Gestalt, Person-Centered, among others, and I listen and understand your situation(s) to help reduce the symptoms of emotional distress and make our existence more meaningful.
Good Day! My name is Christopher Legan and I have been practicing as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor for the last 20 years. I have worked with children, elderly and adults with issues including anxiety, depression, coping skills, stress, and many more. My approach is an integrative style with proficiencies in CBT, DBT, Rational Emotive, Gestalt, Person-Centered, among others, and I listen and understand your situation(s) to help reduce the symptoms of emotional distress and make our existence more meaningful.
(217) 749-1311 View (217) 749-1311
Photo of Christina Jones, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Christina Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60602  (Online Only)
If you are struggling with this thing called life;I can help! Whether it is the day to day challenges of your relationships (spouse, children,parents,siblings, friends,boss or co-workers), or how you feel about yourself (physically, emotionally, spiritually); if you are ready to make changes or improvements in any area in your life, I welcome the opportunity to work with you! Also, if you are going through some of life's more serious challenges: divorce, domestic abuse, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, eating disorders,sexual abuse trauma, or death of a loved one; please contact me.
If you are struggling with this thing called life;I can help! Whether it is the day to day challenges of your relationships (spouse, children,parents,siblings, friends,boss or co-workers), or how you feel about yourself (physically, emotionally, spiritually); if you are ready to make changes or improvements in any area in your life, I welcome the opportunity to work with you! Also, if you are going through some of life's more serious challenges: divorce, domestic abuse, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, eating disorders,sexual abuse trauma, or death of a loved one; please contact me.
(708) 761-4228 View (708) 761-4228
Photo of Jesse L Munoz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Jesse L Munoz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60629  (Online Only)
Let's start with honoring life... Due to my extensive background and years of professional experience, I am comfortable working with children, youth, adults, couples, and families. I started my training/experience with children and continued servicing all ages. I have worked in many venues of service: mental health, medical, educational, hospice, trauma, supervisory, administrative... providing services to people facing situations that are unknown or a challenge to them. Depression, anxiety (and all the features associated with these two diagnostics), as well as relational and other life issues, are areas that I service.
Let's start with honoring life... Due to my extensive background and years of professional experience, I am comfortable working with children, youth, adults, couples, and families. I started my training/experience with children and continued servicing all ages. I have worked in many venues of service: mental health, medical, educational, hospice, trauma, supervisory, administrative... providing services to people facing situations that are unknown or a challenge to them. Depression, anxiety (and all the features associated with these two diagnostics), as well as relational and other life issues, are areas that I service.
(708) 689-4434 View (708) 689-4434
Photo of Tim (TJ) Jordan, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Tim (TJ) Jordan
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60618  (Online Only)
Finding the right therapist for you can be brutal - you're already going through it enough to want to go to therapy, and now even that is proving to be a challenge! I've been there before too, so I get it. I'm someone who will honor and validate your very real struggle, while also seeing the best in you and helping you reconnect to your own excellence. If I have the privilege of becoming your therapist, I'll be here as a fellow human being to accompany you on this leg of your journey - you won't be alone. I offer attentive listening, compassionate warmth, thoughtful insights, encouragement and professional guidance.
Finding the right therapist for you can be brutal - you're already going through it enough to want to go to therapy, and now even that is proving to be a challenge! I've been there before too, so I get it. I'm someone who will honor and validate your very real struggle, while also seeing the best in you and helping you reconnect to your own excellence. If I have the privilege of becoming your therapist, I'll be here as a fellow human being to accompany you on this leg of your journey - you won't be alone. I offer attentive listening, compassionate warmth, thoughtful insights, encouragement and professional guidance.
(773) 985-7368 View (773) 985-7368
Photo of Becky Davis, Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL
Becky Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60622  (Online Only)
Becky is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has over 25 years of counseling experience and loves her job helping others! Her priority is to provide a therapeutic relationship in a safe, nonjudgmental, and confidential environment so you feel comfortable discussing your truth. Becky’s person-centered & integrative approach is customized to your specific needs. She counsels from a positive, holistic, strength-based perspective of hope and growth through self-awareness and insights. She believes each of us is a unique individual with several differences that make us who we are so only we know the best solutions for ourselves.
Becky is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has over 25 years of counseling experience and loves her job helping others! Her priority is to provide a therapeutic relationship in a safe, nonjudgmental, and confidential environment so you feel comfortable discussing your truth. Becky’s person-centered & integrative approach is customized to your specific needs. She counsels from a positive, holistic, strength-based perspective of hope and growth through self-awareness and insights. She believes each of us is a unique individual with several differences that make us who we are so only we know the best solutions for ourselves.
(618) 852-1405 View (618) 852-1405
Photo of Marko Mihailovic, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Marko Mihailovic
Counselor, MAO, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60611
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* Selecting the right therapist who has the clinical training and experience to help you can be confusing. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, anger, grief, or have difficulties managing stress, I am a seasoned therapist with over 15 years of experience who specialize in these issues. I also specialize in multicultural issues. My approach is tailored to your specific needs because I see the psychotherapy as an ongoing and collaborative process between two of us. I will teach you useful skills that will help you to deal with not only the current problems but also with future problems you might encounter.
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS* Selecting the right therapist who has the clinical training and experience to help you can be confusing. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, anger, grief, or have difficulties managing stress, I am a seasoned therapist with over 15 years of experience who specialize in these issues. I also specialize in multicultural issues. My approach is tailored to your specific needs because I see the psychotherapy as an ongoing and collaborative process between two of us. I will teach you useful skills that will help you to deal with not only the current problems but also with future problems you might encounter.
(773) 467-7489 View (773) 467-7489
Photo of Lotus Root Counseling , Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Chicago, IL
Lotus Root Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60607  (Online Only)
We're a trauma-informed, culturally-sensitive mental health counseling group for multicultural, Asian, BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities. We're passionate about working with individuals, couples and families from different cultural backgrounds, exploring how complex identities and unique personal experiences have shaped us into who we are. We specialize in healing from anxiety, complex trauma, relationship issues, perinatal issues, ADHD, adoption, OCD, stress, cultural identity, cultural/intergenerational conflicts, family conflicts, grief, and other issues.
We're a trauma-informed, culturally-sensitive mental health counseling group for multicultural, Asian, BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities. We're passionate about working with individuals, couples and families from different cultural backgrounds, exploring how complex identities and unique personal experiences have shaped us into who we are. We specialize in healing from anxiety, complex trauma, relationship issues, perinatal issues, ADHD, adoption, OCD, stress, cultural identity, cultural/intergenerational conflicts, family conflicts, grief, and other issues.
(773) 364-1625 View (773) 364-1625
Photo of Jennifer Bonino, Counselor in Chicago, IL
Jennifer Bonino
Counselor, PhD , LCPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60602  (Online Only)
The step to enter into counseling is a courageous one, it encompasses your willingness to connect, to be vulnerable, and to seek hope in healing. I see counseling as a way for clients to make change, to liberate one’s self from patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving that may not be serving you effectively. These patterns are often imposed by society, family, and ones' own culture and/or gender. Counseling is a space to help navigate all that comes with life’s changes. In practice, I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief/loss, OCD, infertility, postpartum, relationships, job change/loss, and other adjustment related stressors.
The step to enter into counseling is a courageous one, it encompasses your willingness to connect, to be vulnerable, and to seek hope in healing. I see counseling as a way for clients to make change, to liberate one’s self from patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving that may not be serving you effectively. These patterns are often imposed by society, family, and ones' own culture and/or gender. Counseling is a space to help navigate all that comes with life’s changes. In practice, I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief/loss, OCD, infertility, postpartum, relationships, job change/loss, and other adjustment related stressors.
(708) 512-7276 View (708) 512-7276
Gestalt Therapists

What is gestalt therapy?

Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.

How does gestalt therapy work?

Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.

How long does gestalt therapy last?

As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.

Does gestalt therapy work?

Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.