Reality Therapy Paradox technique involves which approach?

• A. Pushing for immediate compliance.
• B. Ignoring resistance.
• C. Using direct instruction.
• D. Cautioning not to follow through or encouraging the opposite to lower resistance.

Answer: (D)

Reality Therapy’s paradox technique relies on a counterintuitive directive to lower resistance and prompt client ownership of change. By telling the client not to follow through or to do the opposite of what they want, the therapist disrupts the pattern of control the client uses to avoid change. This redirection often creates a moment of cognitive dissonance that motivates the client to reconsider options and commit to a more purposeful plan.

Pushing for immediate compliance tends to increase resistance, ignoring resistance skips engagement, and direct instruction emphasizes clinician control rather than the client's voluntary choice, which is not how the paradox serves its purpose.