By Carley Foster

Cathy created this action structure to help people explore a difficult decision from four distinct perspectives. At LPTI and the recent ASGPP Conference, Cathy offered the Four Chairs to help the protagonists discern their motivations to enter – or not enter – a dual relationship with a client or student. However, the action structure is useful for exploring any ethical dilemma. By examining a predicament from the perspective held by each of the chairs, protagonists (and group members) gain insights to help guide their choices and actions.

By Tania Lanning

Whether or not you are able to take a client into an outdoor or public space during a session is an important consideration for your practice.  You can alternatively try this exercise inside by having a basket, box or bowl of nature’s treasures (such as sticks, stones, moss, leaves, and pinecones). Gathering these materials ahead of time can also be a fun and therapeutic process for the therapist.