AP+P2+2015+Paradoxical+Intention

Aim (Kyra): The aim for paradoxical intention has to start with the definition of the term. It means that someone is doing what they fear or dislike; they do it without truly understanding why, even if they dislike doing it to begin with. An article concerning this states, “ A person with a fear of the dark would walk in a different place every night. A person afraid of being unable to sleep tries to stay awake. A compulsive house cleaner would be told to learn to enjoy dust and messes, maybe even add some dirt here and there” (“Paradoxical Intention”). This is an attempt to try and understand the fear or dislike on a deeper level; the aim for introducing it into a work would be to get someone to realize what they are doing instead of subconsciously shying away from it. While paradoxical intention is not an attempt to get the patient to overcome their fear or dislike, it is not understandable to the person doing it; they simply do it without true intention. Aim for paradoxical intention may incorporate a method of getting others to do the same for possible therapy, or it may call attention to the phenomenon itself; it’s not conscious, but it has a purpose.

"Chapter 14: Paradoxical Intention." Psychological Self-Help. Self-Help Corporation, n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2015.