Paradoxical Interventions: A Review of the Recent Literature

The clinical outcome literature on the efficacy of paradoxical interventions in psychotherapy over the last 7 years is critically reviewed. Following a brief examination of previous literature reviews, the existing studies are examined under one of three general headings: paradoxical intention studies, symptom prescription studies, and reframing studies. The review concludes with a general evaluation of the current standing of paradoxical interventions and a call for an increase in the quality and quantity of experimental outcome studies involving paradoxical techniques.