Paradoxical intervention in psychotherapy

Abstract

The diverse and complex field of paradoxical psychotherapy is introduced by interpreting a programme for anorexic patients in terms of several common paradoxical procedures. The techniques of symptom prescription, retraining, restraining, written messages and positive interpretations are outlined and discussed together with Frankl's logotherapeutic techniques of paradoxical intention and dereflection. It is noted that various schools of therapy have contributed to the use of these techniques. Several theoretical and conceptual issues pertinent to the utilization of paradoxical interventions in psychotherapy are briefly discussed. The notions of client resistance and the double bind seem central to most paradoxical manoeuvres, and possible difficulties with these are commented upon. It is suggested that a clarification of paradoxical procedures could be aided by a consideration of non-paradoxical explanations and by distinguishing between a focus on systems versus individuals. An attempt is made to define paradoxical interventions as a class by concentrating on fundamental components. Finally, the current status of paradoxical psychotherapy is summarized and possible future developments noted.