In Strategic Family Therapy, what is a common technique used to elicit change?

In Strategic Family Therapy, paradoxical directives are a common technique used to elicit change. This approach involves instructing clients to engage in behaviors that seem counterproductive or contradictory to the goals of therapy. For instance, a therapist may ask a family member to intentionally enact a problem behavior to help them gain insight and create a shift in perspective.

The effectiveness of paradoxical directives lies in their ability to unsettle entrenched patterns and provoke a sense of agency in clients, allowing for new ways of thinking and behaving to emerge. By framing the directive in a way that appears to be pushing against the desired outcome, clients often feel a sense of control when they choose to respond differently than what was suggested. This can lead to breakthroughs in family dynamics and promote positive change.

The other techniques listed, while valuable in therapy, do not specifically capture the essence of the Strategic Family Therapy approach as effectively as paradoxical directives do. Assertive communication strategies can foster healthy dialogue, empathic listening builds rapport and understanding, and conflict resolution strategies address discord in relationships. However, none of these are as focused on provoking change through contrarian actions as paradoxical directives in the context of facilitating therapeutic progress.