According to Strategic/Haley and Madanes' approach, which statement exemplifies a therapeutic paradox?

The statement “I understand why you want to stay with him” exemplifies a therapeutic paradox within the Strategic/Haley and Madanes' approach because it acknowledges and respects the client's current feelings and decision-making process, while simultaneously encouraging a reflection on those choices. This therapeutic paradox is used to create an environment where the client can explore their motivations and the implications of their behavior without feeling pressured to change immediately.

By validating the client's emotions and position, the therapist may foster an atmosphere that allows the client to reconsider their decisions more freely, often leading to insights and changes that arise from within rather than being forced from an external directive. This aligns with the paradoxical techniques used in this therapeutic model, where an apparent contradiction or unexpected validation can create cognitive dissonance in the client, potentially leading to behavioral change.

The other statements lack this paradoxical element. For example, encouraging someone to seek help or cut ties with family presents prescriptive advice that lacks the depth of understanding and reflection encouraged in a therapeutic paradox. Instead, they focus on directives rather than fostering an internal exploration of the client's feelings and decisions.