Paradox, Double Binding, and Counterparadox: A Transactional Analysis Perspective (A Response to Price)

Abstract

Six distinctive therapeutic approaches to paradox are examined, and the compatibility of TA and paradoxical thinking is explored. Paradoxes occur in family systems with passive symbioses where the members are double bound over time functionally and structurally through patterns of duplex communication. As an angular transaction, counterparadox aims to provoke change. Counterparadox overcomes resistance by stroking the client frame of reference that perpetuated the problem or double bind and by paradoxically prescribing the continuance of the symptom. Paradoxical work presupposes a model of therapy that deals with circular causality, feedback, levels of social meaning, and reflexive communication loops. Guidelines are offered for when to use compliance-based diversion techniques versus defiance-based compression methods.

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Notes on contributors

Robert F. Massey

Robert F. Massey, Ph.D., is a Clinical Member of ITAA and Professor of Psychology at Saint Peter's College in New Jersey, U.S.A. He is also licensed as a psychologist and as a marriage and family therapist.