Michelle Chalfont’s Adult Chair Model of therapy is a neat framework that delineates three distinct aspects of the self: the Child, the Adolescent, and the Adult. Each aspect has unique characteristics and ways of interacting, which are essential for personal growth and emotional well-being. Working with this model personally or with a therapist, we are looking for the intrapersonal relationships of these parts as constitute of feelings, needs, thoughts and behaviours. Getting to a place where you have a more present, understanding and compassionate adult (sometimes equated to a ‘higher self’) allows us to better attend to the child and adolescent without any dysfunction spilling over into relationships in the world outside of us. As the child and adolescent, though present, are coloured by our historic past, the unmet needs or neediness of the child or the angst of the adolescent often disbar us from the ‘here-and-now.’ In a way, the present is contaminated by the unfinished business of the past.
The beauty of this model is its shear simplicity as a further lens through which we can understand and attend ourselves as an ecosystem. The reason ‘chair’ is incorporated in the title is that you can set out three chairs, one for each part, and moving between chairs connect with and represent that part of yourself distinctly.
Characteristics:
1. The Child:
- Represents innocence, creativity, and emotional expression.
- Often holds memories of past experiences, both positive and negative.
- Can be vulnerable, seeking love and safety, and may exhibit fears or insecurities rooted in childhood.
2. The Adolescent:
- Embodies rebellion, exploration, and the quest for identity.
- Struggles with emotions, often oscillating between child-like needs and adult responsibilities.
- May exhibit resistance to authority and has a strong desire for independence.
- Survival/defence mechanisms
3. The Adult:
- Represents maturity, responsibility, and rational thinking.
- Capable of making decisions based on logic and reason, insight, rather than emotional impulses.
- Acts as a stabilising presence, integrating/available the needs and emotions of both the Child and the Adolescent.
Interactions:
The interaction between these three aspects is crucial for healthy functioning. The Adult should ideally take the lead, nurturing the Child and guiding the Adolescent. When the Adult is strong, it can help the Child feel safe and validated while providing the Adolescent with structure and guidance.
Conversely, if the Adult is weak or absent, the Child's vulnerabilities can dominate, leading to emotional distress, or the Adolescent’s rebelliousness can spiral out of control.
Achieving Optimal Interaction:
To facilitate better interactions among these aspects, individuals can:
1. Practice Self-Awareness: Recognising which aspect is currently in control can help in addressing specific needs.
2. Engage in Inner Dialogue: Encouraging conversations between the Child, Adolescent, and Adult can foster understanding and empathy among them.
3. Therapeutic Techniques: Utilising techniques such as mindfulness, journaling, or guided imagery can help individuals explore and balance the three aspects.
Acknowledgment and References:
Michelle Chalfont acknowledges the influence of Susan Austin Crumpton, whose work contributed to the foundational ideas surrounding the integration of various self-aspects in therapy.
For those interested in exploring the Adult Chair Model further, Chalfont has authored books detailing her approach, including "The Adult Chair: The 3 Chair Model for Healthy Relationships" and "The Adult Chair Workbook." These resources provide deeper insights into the model and practical tools for application in personal and therapeutic contexts.