The Inner Tug-of-War: Understanding the Topdog and Underdog in Gestalt Therapy
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Have you ever felt like there’s a voice in your head barking orders, telling you what you should do while another part of you just wants to hide, rebel, or give up?
Welcome to the world of the Topdog and Underdog, a powerful concept from Gestalt therapy that helps us understand these inner conflicts.
The Topdog–Underdog dynamic in Gestalt therapy closely parallels concepts from other psychological models like Transactional Analysis and Freudian theory. The Topdog is much like the Critical Parent ego state in TA or the Superego in Freud’s model, demanding, rule-driven, and filled with “shoulds” and “musts.” It represents internalized authority and societal expectations. The Underdog, on the other hand, aligns with the Free Child ego state or aspects of the Id: emotional, instinctual, often reactive or avoidant, expressing vulnerability or resistance. In all three frameworks, there’s a tension between control and freedom, responsibility and desire, structure and spontaneity. Gestalt therapy aims to bring awareness and integration between these polarized parts, encouraging the individual to move toward authentic choice rather than staying stuck in inner conflict or power struggle.
Where Did the Idea Come From?
The idea of the Topdog and Underdog was introduced by Fritz Perls, the founder of Gestalt therapy, in the mid-20th century. He believed that our inner world is often full of opposing forces, parts of ourselves that argue, shame, resist, or avoid.
Instead of treating these inner voices as “problems,” Gestalt therapy invites us to bring them into awareness. The goal in therapy is not to silence one voice, but to integrate them, fostering awareness and inner harmony.
Carl Jung's concept of the Shadow resonates strongly here. He believed we all carry hidden or rejected aspects of ourselves, traits we deny, yet unconsciously project. Much like the Underdog, the Shadow often holds our suppressed feelings, impulses, and needs. Jung encouraged engaging with the Shadow (rather than avoiding it), just as Gestalt therapy promotes a dialogue between Topdog and Underdog, revealing truths that can lead to greater self-integration.
The ancient Taoist symbol of Yin and Yang reflects a similar duality. Yin (dark, receptive, emotional) and Yang (light, active, logical) are not opposites in conflict, they are interdependent forces that exist in constant flux. When one dominates, imbalance results. In Gestalt therapy, when either the Topdog or Underdog dominates unchecked, the person suffers inner turmoil. Balance, like homeostasis, comes from recognizing the value in both parts.
Ultimately, these models—Gestalt, Jungian, and Taoist—point toward a central truth: healing and growth come from honoring our internal polarities, embracing what we fear or deny, and learning to live with authentic wholeness rather than fractured ideals.
Who Are the Topdog and Underdog?
Topdog
This is the critical, demanding, rule-making part of your personality. It often speaks in “shoulds,” “musts,” and “oughts.”
“You should be more productive.”
“You mustn’t cry in front of people.”
“You should have figured this out by now.”
The Topdog wants perfection, control, and responsibility. It often represents internalized authority figures—like parents, teachers, or society at large.
Underdog
This is the resistant, avoidant, or passive part that pushes back or sabotages.
“I’ll do it later.”
“I can’t help it, I’m just like this.”
“I want to—but I’m too tired.”
The Underdog avoids responsibility by appearing helpless, lazy, or overwhelmed. It can be charming or self-pitying, but underneath is fear, guilt, or exhaustion.
What Happens When They Argue?
A vicious cycle forms:
The Topdog demands, criticizes, and sets impossible standards.
The Underdog rebels, avoids, or plays the victim.
You feel stuck in the middle—torn between guilt and frustration.
This inner conflict can leave you feeling anxious, self-critical, and immobilized.
How It Plays Out in Daily Life
Example 1: Studying or Work
Topdog: “You should have finished this already. You’re so lazy.”
Underdog: “I’m tired, I’ll just do it tomorrow. It’s too hard anyway.”
Result: Procrastination and self-loathing.
Example 2: Health and Self-Care
Topdog: “You must go to the gym every day. No excuses.”
Underdog: “I’m exhausted. I deserve a break. I’ll never keep up anyway.”
Result: Guilt about skipping and pressure about performing.
Example 3: Relationships
Topdog: “You shouldn’t be needy. Don’t text first.”
Underdog: “I feel so alone… maybe they don’t care.”
Result: Confusion, disconnection, and fear of vulnerability.
How Gestalt Therapy Helps
In Gestalt therapy, these inner dialogues are brought into the "empty chair" technique. The client may sit in one chair as the Topdog, giving orders, and then switch to another chair to speak as the Underdog—sharing fears, resistance, or sadness.
This dramatization:
Brings clarity to the internal conflict
Helps uncover deeper emotions and unmet needs
Builds compassion for both sides
Encourages integration: less war, more inner peace
The goal isn’t to “eliminate” either voice, but to bring awareness and balance—so you can choose how to act, rather than react from guilt or avoidance.
What You Can Learn from This Inner Dynamic
You're not broken. You’re just trying to manage competing needs and fears.
The Topdog isn’t always wrong. Sometimes, we need structure and responsibility.
The Underdog isn’t always lazy. Sometimes, it’s protecting us from burnout, failure, or pain.
Awareness is power. Once you notice the pattern, you can step out of it.
How You Can Benefit
Less inner judgment – Learn to listen without attacking yourself.
Greater motivation – When resistance is understood, it loses power.
More authenticity – Live by your values, not fear or pressure.
Better emotional regulation – Reduce the war inside, feel more peace outside.
Try This: A Mini Exercise
Think of a current situation where you feel stuck.
Ask: “What does the Topdog say?” Write it down.
Then ask: “What does the Underdog say?” Write that too.
Reflect: What does each part need? What’s a compassionate middle ground?
The Topdog and Underdog are not enemies. They are just two voices trying to protect you in different ways.
With awareness, honesty, and support (like in therapy), you can turn that tug-of-war into a conversation, one that leads to growth, freedom, and wholeness.
References and Suggested Readings
Perls, F. S. (1969). Gestalt Therapy Verbatim. Real People Press. This is a foundational text by Fritz Perls where he introduces and demonstrates the topdog-underdog dynamic in live therapy sessions.
Perls, F. S., Hefferline, R. F., & Goodman, P. (1951). Gestalt Therapy: Excitement and Growth in the Human Personality. Julian Press. The original manual of Gestalt therapy which outlines the philosophy and techniques, including inner conflict and role-play methods.
Corey, G. (2017). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (10th ed.). Cengage Learning. This textbook gives a clear and practical overview of the topdog/underdog concept within the context of Gestalt therapy.
Yontef, G. M., & Jacobs, L. (2005). Gestalt Therapy. In R. J. Corsini & D. Wedding (Eds.), Current Psychotherapies (7th ed., pp. 299–336). Offers a comprehensive look at Gestalt therapy principles, including the role of dialogue and inner conflict.
Bowman, C. E. (2005). The I and the Not-I: The Role of Polarities in Gestalt Therapy. The Gestalt Journal. Explores polarities in self-identity and how the Topdog-Underdog dynamic represents intrapsychic division.
Houston, G. (2003). Brief Gestalt Therapy. SAGE Publications. A modern and concise explanation of how Gestalt concepts like internal dialogue are used in short-term therapy.
Clarkson, P. (2004). Gestalt Counselling in Action (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications. A practical book explaining Gestalt techniques, including the empty chair and working with internal polarities.
