The Empty Chair Journey:

An Experiential Programme for Self‑Discovery

& Creative Expression

by Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar

The Empty Chair Journey:

An Experiential Programme for Self‑Discovery

& Creative Expression

by Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar

The Empty Chair Journey -

An Experimental Programme For

Self-Development & Creative Expression.

Turn a Simple Image Into a Life‑Changing Conversation

The Empty Chair Cards Programme transforms Gestalt therapy’s most iconic experiment into a beautifully visual practice you can use with clients or for your own growth. Swap awkward role‑play for evocative photography, clear steps, and a spirit of safe, guided exploration.

Who This Programme Is For

Counsellors, coaches & psychologists who want a dynamic, image‑led method to deepen dialogue.

Well‑being & mental‑health practitioners seeking a gentle entry point for parts‑work, journaling or trauma processing.

Practitioners who are creative souls & self‑help seekers ready to explore feelings and relationships in a non‑linear, compassionate way.

_{“Every empty chair is an invitation, not an obligation.”}

_{– Yasmin Shaheen‑Zaffar, creator & trauma counsellor.}

Transformation for Practitioners & Coaching Sessions

Deeper client engagement: Images bypass intellectual defences, opening authentic dialogue by tapping into the subconscious.

Creative confidence: Clear safety resets let you experiment boldly without losing containment.

Creative confidence: Clear safety resets let you experiment boldly without losing containment.

Smoother Progress: The six‑step flow turns “I don’t know” into concrete next moves.

"By the end of the programme, you'll confidently recognise meaningful shifts, articulate them with your clients, and channel that momentum into their next steps".

Inside the Programme:

The Empty Chair Journey: An Experiential Programme for Self‑Discovery

& Creative Expression

Video Curriculum Lesson (3 hrs Approx)

What Is Gestalt?
Gestalt Principles: A Deeper Dive
Empty - Chair Work in Gestalt
From Chair to Cards - my personal journey
Who Can Use the Cards?
Using the Cards: Step-by-Step Protocol
Journaling for Emotional Expression
Integrating IFS & Parts Work
Troubleshooting & Inclusivity
Tracking Progress, Reflection, and Closure
Course Wrap-Up & Next Steps

Mini - Demo Library

Watch real life scenarios: a resistant adult, a neurodivergent teen, and a trauma survivor - each clip captioned with the skills used.

Printable Toolkit:

244‑Image Decks
(PDF print & Fillable files + Canva template)
Quick‑Check Cue Sheet for in‑session hiccups
Inclusivity Checklist - 10 yes/no items)
Reflection Prompts
Closure Ritual Guide

Monthly Live Peer Lab (bonus)

Practise with fellow practitioners, swap feedback, and ask Yasmin anything.

Private Community Channel (bonus)

Ongoing support, fresh card spreads, and share-your-wins threads.

_{“Every empty chair is an invitation, not an obligation.”}

_{– Yasmin Shaheen‑Zaffar, creator & trauma counsellor.}

Empty Chair Experiential Journey:
Concrete images you can see, hold and revisit - suitable for visual learners & neurodivergent minds.
Traditional Talk Therapy: Abstract insight

Empty Chair Experiential Journey:
Built‑in grounding & safety resets.
Traditional Talk Therapy: Emotion overload

Empty Chair Experiential Journey:
250 diverse chair photos & templates that meet different stories & culture's.
Traditional Talk Therapy: One-size-fits-all prompts

Empty Chair Experiential Journey:
Six structured steps that keep sessions flowing with "navigating hiccups" lesson for when feeling stuck.
Traditional Talk Therapy: Client “I don’t know” moments

Empty Chair Experiential Journey:
Built‑in grounding & safety resets.
Traditional Talk Therapy: Emotion overload