The New Wave for Paradox Psychology

Welcome to ‘The New Wave for Paradox Psychology’.

Another psychology website? Aren’t there enough theories?! What makes this so different? 

This site is dedicated to the art and science of influencing change in the treatment-resistant client; the client who has ‘no desire, intent, or motivation’  to change his/her behavior.  

These clients are often mandated for treatment by the court system, job, school, or frustrated parents. Such clients tend to downplay the seriousness of their issues and are often in denial of the negative impact their behavior has on others.

While those making the referral are hopeful the client will recognize the importance of changing his attitude and behavior, the client himself may lack the conscious motivation to do so.  

Unfortunately ‘conventional wisdom’ has insisted that unless the client is “willing to make some effort to cooperate and participate” then there is little the clinician can do to advance treatment. This has done a great disservice to the profession as it has allowed clinicians to blame the client for their lack of progress, rather than recognizing that the focus of treatment was inadequate.

Research - It is important to note, that while research indicates that behavioral, cognitive, and psychodynamic interventions are successful when working with the motivated client, these methods have little success with those who avoid and resist treatment.  Therefore clinicians who base their practice mainly on these methods will likely feel frustrated when working with such clients.    

The good news is that it is possible to influence such clients. Research indicates that paradoxical interventions have the highest rate of success in working with treatment resistance. This is due to the key advantage that the method does not depend on the client’s “good will, cooperation, and participation” in order to be successful.

The primary goal here is to introduce the theory of paradox psychology. Through paradox theory it becomes possible to explore the mystery that has surrounded  paradoxical intervention techniques. The focus of these ideas are geared toward educating mental health providers and others interested in the dynamics of addressing treatment resistance.  

- So what’s the glitch?! If paradox is so great, why haven’t we heard more about it?!

Historically the method has been viewed as a clinical enigma and mystery. While known to be effective, clinicians had no understanding of why or how the approach worked. Interventions that are clearly counter-intuitive and lack face validity often leave clinicians wondering if it can ‘backfire’. 

Until now, there was no viable theory to support the method. The importance of this work is that it does not simply provide the clinician with ‘bag-o-tricks’ techniques, but rather offers an  underlying theory that supports the “method behind the madness.” It is hoped that as clinicians gain clarity and understanding of its mechanism  they will feel more confident in applyng this dynamic and exciting approach.  

Webster’s Dictionary: Paradox: A proposition that is seemingly self-contradictory or absurd;  An argument which through a valid process of deduction arrives at a self-contradictory conclusion.

Paradox psychology focuses on a simple yet obvious truth: The essense of human existence is a paradox!  Through a valid process of deduction, it is evident that we are self-contradictory beings.

…How so? -We live in a finite body, but we think unlimited thoughts; -We walk on dry land, but our ‘head is in the clouds’; -Our DNA is programmed to act upon animal instinct, yet we insist on exerting ‘free-will.’ 

 As rockstar, Sting, best puts it: We are spirits living in the material world! 

Contents:

1) Surf’s Up - 1a) Introduction; 1b) About Paradox Psychology; 1c) Paradigm Shift; 1d) Scientific Bridge; 1e) 5 Learning Objectives

2) About Eliot P Kaplan

3) Definitions

4) Background / Research - 4a) A Simple Example; 4b) Research; 4c) History; 4d)

5) Theory - Win-win Double Binds

6) 15 Paradoxical Interventions

7) Sex Offender Treatment -

8) Rants and Raves

www.ParadoxPsychology.com             EPK 2-21-12