Which paradoxical intervention is described as obtaining an enlightened reaction by directing the client to activate the negative behavior in terms that are absurd and clearly objectionable?

• A. Prescribing the symptom
• B. Positioning
• C. Relabeling
• D. Restraining

Answer: (B)

Positioning uses a paradoxical directive that asks the client to take on a stance toward the symptom in an exaggerated or absurd way. By directing them to activate the negative behavior in terms that are clearly ridiculous or objectionable, the therapist pushes the client to see the pattern from a new angle. This often creates a moment of insight or an enlightened reaction where the client realizes how the problem is sustained and feels empowered to change it. It isn’t about simply encouraging the behavior (that would be prescribing the symptom), nor about re-labeling what the behavior is or about restricting it without a reframing (those other techniques).