You clicked it! Yeah!

I hoped you would for this reason...

This is an exercise to explain paradoxical interventions. A paradoxical intervention--sometimes referred to as reverse psychology--is a technique used in counseling that has the opposite effect of what it appears to be on the surface.

It's like saying to you...don't you dare imagine an elephant in diapers. Nope, don't even think about it.

Hee-hee! So, how big is your elephant and how are the diapers?!?!!

You see, I want you to think about that image so I tell you not to.

So, how might a therapist use this strategy?

Imagine a therapist working with a couple who's having trouble initiating sex. They'll likely spend time discussing reasons for their reluctance. But, rather than coaching them on methods to improve their sex life, the therapist says, "Don't have any sex this week and we'll talk about it next session."

Well timed and specifically tailored paradoxical interventions help shift clients out of routine behaviours--often in a fun way.