In paradoxical interventions, which term refers to advising that a negative behavior not be changed or changed only slowly?

In paradoxical interventions, which term refers to advising that a negative behavior not be changed or changed only slowly?

• A. Positioning
• B. Relabeling
• C. Restraining
• D. Prescribing the symptom

Answer: (C)

Paradoxical interventions rely on counterintuitive directions to shift how a client experiences control over a symptom. Restraining specifically means advising that the negative behavior not be changed or be changed only slowly. This approach reduces the pressure to perform perfectly, lowers fear of failure, and can lead to gradual, more adaptive change as the client works within that constraint. The other terms involve different moves: positioning frames the symptom within the client’s experience, relabeling changes the meaning placed on the behavior, and prescribing the symptom directs the client to engage in or intensify the symptom.

Paradoxical interventions rely on counterintuitive directions to shift how a client experiences control over a symptom. Restraining specifically means advising that the negative behavior not be changed or be changed only slowly. This approach reduces the pressure to perform perfectly, lowers fear of failure, and can lead to gradual, more adaptive change as the client works within that constraint. The other terms involve different moves: positioning frames the symptom within the client’s experience, relabeling changes the meaning placed on the behavior, and prescribing the symptom directs the client to engage in or intensify the symptom.