A model framework of alcoholism counseling: cyclic process of intensification, paradoxical shifting, and differentiation.

While recent literature on individual and family therapy has increasingly focused on the nature and use of paradoxical styles of intervention, little has been published concerning the use of paradox in alcoholism counseling. Alcoholism represents a type of problem that can lend itself to the use of such interventions. This paper first reviews the nature of paradoxical styles of intervention in relation to alcoholism. It then presents three developmentally determined paradoxical dynamics: intensification, paradoxical shifting, and differentiation. These are defined and examples from case studies are given for each. Therapists working with alcoholics are encouraged to consider the use of these patterns of response with their clients.