Edinburgh CBT & Counselling Services@The Lodge Coffee House offers Mick Mansell's The Empty Chair Project
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
One of the most common questions we hear is, 'Which therapy is the best?' While the ultimate goal of any therapy is to help you build deeper self-awareness, the paths to get there can look very different. The truth is, the most powerful element of your healing isn't the specific method—it’s the relationship you build with your therapist. Because every single client is a uniquely complex human being, we don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we offer a diverse range of therapies designed to match exactly who you are and what you need. In this latest range of blog posts we shine a spotlight on each of the therapies we offer.
Spotlight Therapy 1
The Empty Chair Project
The Empty Chair Project is a therapeutic, craft initiative developed and delivered by Mick Mansell of Edinburgh CBT & Counselling Services. It combines traditional green woodworking with principles drawn from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Profound healing doesn't only happen while sitting on a sofa in a clinical room. For many people, traditional talking therapy can feel intimidating. We are immensely proud to offer this highly unique alternative.
What Is The Empty Chair Project?
The project is a small, group work based initiative designed to create a calm, mindful, and supportive learning environment. The initiative is based at Edinburgh CBT & Counselling Services@The Lodge Coffee House, Braids Rd., Edinburgh. Participants work with freshly cut wood using traditional hand tools, in a woodland workshop setting. This initiative is open to people of all ages and backgrounds, specifically benefiting those who are experiencing:
Low self-confidence or self-esteem.
The effects of past trauma.
A desire to reconnect with practical skills and creativity.
Discover The Philosophy Behind This Project
The core philosophy is that therapeutic change can emerge naturally through the process of making, reflecting, and creating. Although the environment is intentionally non-clinical, working with wood naturally activates several core CBT mechanisms:
Cognitive Restructuring
Many begin with self-critical thoughts like “I’m not good enough”. However, the physical progress of the work itself provides evidence that change is possible, allowing new perspectives to emerge, such as “I can learn new skills”.
Behavioural Experiments
Practical tasks, such as shaping a chair leg or carving joints, allow participants to test their beliefs about their abilities. Attempting these tasks gathers new evidence to challenge negative assumptions and build confidence.
Mindfulness and Grounding
The sensory engagement of the smell of freshly cut wood and the sound of carving tools naturally promotes a mindful state of attention. This helps reduce rumination and keeps participants grounded in the present moment.
Behavioural Activation
Completing a physical object like a chair or stool provides a sense of purpose and practical achievement, which can significantly increase motivation and self-worth and this is known to raise low mood.
Emotional Regulation
The craft process requires patience and persistence, helping participants learn to tolerate difficult emotions like frustration, irritability and anger, responding calmly to mistakes as part of the learning process.
The Therapeutic Outcome
Ultimately, the chair itself becomes a symbol of this therapeutic process. Just as a rough piece of wood can be shaped into something strong and functional, people can discover new strengths and capabilities through the process of making. Participants leave not only with improved coping strategies and reduced stress, but importantly, with something tangible that they have created themselves. If you are interested in taking part in this unique therapy please get in touch. Mick's next group will begin soon!
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