National Counselor Exam (NCE)

Which of the following techniques are used by psychoanalytic counselors?

1. Paradoxical intention

2. Mindfulness

3. Thought stopping

4. Both A and C

The correct answer is: Both A and C

Psychoanalytic counselors primarily utilize techniques that delve into the unconscious mind and focus on resolving internal conflicts. In this context, paradoxical intention is a technique that stems from logotherapy but can be adapted in some ways to psychoanalytic practice, where clients are encouraged to engage in the very behavior they fear or want to avoid, thus reducing the anxiety associated with it through a form of cognitive restructuring. Thought stopping is also a relevant technique used within the psychoanalytic framework to help clients identify unwanted thoughts and interrupt them, redirecting their focus to more productive thoughts. This practice allows for greater awareness of the processes governing one’s mind and fosters a sense of control over intrusive thoughts. By recognizing that both techniques (paradoxical intention and thought stopping) can be integrated into psychoanalytic work, the option which includes both approaches is valid, emphasizing the versatility and adaptability of techniques in therapy while still aligning with the core tenets of psychoanalysis.