title: Use of paradox in the treatment of alcoholism.
abstract: Using a paradoxical approach in dealing with an alcoholic's denial of alcoholism and resistance to treatment allows the therapist to maintain an empathic stance while placing the responsibility for change on the alcoholic. The author discusses the theory of paradox, its use by Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon, the power dynamics of the therapeutic process, and the specific strategies and ethics of this approach to therapy.
mesh_terms: D000436:Alcoholics Anonymous; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011582:Psychological Theory; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*