When working with clients, one of the most transformative moments in therapy is identifying an inner polarity—the parts of the self that pull in opposite directions and quietly shape a client’s choices, identity, and sense of safety. The Gestalt two-chair experiment offers a powerful and integrative way to bring these parts into direct contact, allowing the client to witness themselves with clarity and compassion.
In this session, a volunteer shares about her experience of feeling torn between the authentic self she once embodied with ease and the self that learned to hide in daily life. What begins as grief over losing access to their true self unfolds into a courageous dialogue between two inner voices: one that insists, “Why even try to be seen?” and another that longs for genuine connection and expression.
As the dialogue deepens, it becomes clear that the turning point is not about others finally recognizing them—it is about recognizing themselves. In this moment of self-witnessing, anger transforms into wisdom, inherited patterns are named, and integration becomes possible in real time.
This session reveals the potency of Gestalt therapy to illuminate the sacred intelligence within a split, bridging protection and vulnerability, and guiding clients back toward the wholeness of their authentic self.
About Harmony Kwiker
Harmony Kwiker, MA, is a psychotherapist, author, educator, and founder of the Institute for Spiritual Alignment. She serves as lead Gestalt faculty in Naropa University’s Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling program and is the author of The Awakened Therapist, Holistic Co-Regulation, Align, and Reveal. Through her books, trainings, and The Awakened Therapist Podcast, Harmony guides therapists and healers to embody awake awareness, attune to subtle energy, and hold a sacred container where authentic transformation can emerge. Learn more: https://awakenedtherapist.com/
Disclaimer: The live demonstrations shared on The Awakened Therapist Podcast are for educational and illustrative purposes only. These sessions are not therapy, nor are they intended to replace therapeutic treatment. The volunteers who participate have given their informed consent for this material to be shared publicly. Listener discretion is advised, as some demonstrations may include emotional or sensitive content. If anything you hear resonates personally, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional.