Short Description:

Research indicates that Paradoxical Interventions (pdxi) have a higher rate of success with treatment-resistant clients than behavioral, cognitive, and psychodynamic approaches. This training will explore the theory and practice of pdxi as well as treatment techniques designed to promote change. Participants are encouraged to bring in questions and cases of their own.

Abstract:

This training is an introduction to the theory and practice of Paradox Psychology and paradoxical interventions. The method is particularly known for its effectiveness in working with treatment resistance.

Of the many areas addressed in the field of psychology, there is relatively little research and understanding that clarifies how to best work with the treatment resistant client. Traditional approaches that include behavioral, cognitive, and psychodynamic methods are geared for clients who are motivated to cooperate and participate. Attempts have been made to modify these approaches in the hope that they will work with treatment resistance. However, even with such modifications, the clinical work has ultimately relied on the clients’ ‘goodwill’ to participate in treatment.

This training is designed to advance our understanding in working with clients who show no desire or interest in complying with treatment. Research indicates that paradoxical interventions have a higher rate of success when working with resistant clients as compared to behavioral, cognitive, and psychodynamic approaches.

The presentation offers an innovative scientific model to understand the process of change. It is through this model that we gain insight into the power of counter-intuitive attachment as the mechanism behind the paradoxical process. The seminar will clarify exactly what treatment must accomplish in order to promote ‘free will change’ in those who seek to avoid or defy treatment. The model encompasses the broad spectrum of resistant type behavior including those who are defiant, in denial, have concrete thinking, and / are (court) mandated for treatment.    

The training will offer a framework for understanding the nuances of strategic interventions. We will review ‘how and why’ strategic interventions are successful in influencing “difficult to reach” behaviors, including violent and / or problem sexualized behaviors (PSB). The model will give both beginning and advanced clinicians a new perspective in formulating effective interventions for varied populations.

Topics that will be discussed include:

1. a) a scientific model that diagrams the concept of change;
2. b) non-confrontational interventions to bypass client resistance;
3. c) humor and ‘win-win double binds’ to enhance ‘free-will motivation’;
4. d) why treatment focused on secondary behaviors (ie; anger, poor social skills, low self-esteem, etc.) will have a measurable impact on primary targeted criminogenic (violent / sexually aggressive) behaviors

 Presenter Bio:

Eliot Kaplan, PhD, LCSW holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Temple University, and an MSW from Rutgers University. He is licensed as an LCSW in New York State. He is the founder and director of The Paradox Psychology Institute. He specializes in the theory and practice of working with treatment resistance in areas that include anger management, domestic violence, BPD, and problem sexual behavior (PSB). He has presented seminars nationally regarding Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) as well as other disorders that involve treatment resistance.

            Dr. Kaplan is an expert on the use of Strategic Paradoxical Interventions. He hosts www.ParadoxPsychology.com which is the only website exclusively dedicated to this psychological approach. His goal is to train therapists and mental health providers in the educated use of this powerful method. He maintains a private practice in New York City.