ABSTRACT
There are creative interventions for dealing with resistance which are congruent with Reality Therapy. These are called paradoxical techniques. In therapy, paradoxical techniques have been used with problems as anorexia, dizziness, encopresis, hysterical blindness, chronic pain, phobias, sexual problems and sleep disorders. Milton Erickson and Viktor Frankl are two names traditionally associated with paradoxical techniques. The two kinds of paradox that are especially useful in Reality Therapy are reframing and prescriptions. Before using paradoxical techniques, especially the prescription, a thorough knowledge of ethical principles is advised. A major criticism of paradoxical techniques is that they are manipulative. Paradoxical techniques are used extensively in family therapy but anyone using such techniques should be trained in systems theory and use prescriptions only with supervision or consultation. While the use of paradoxical techniques is characteristic of many theories, Choice Theory and Reality Therapy offer a clear explanation of these techniques' effectiveness.
