Amelioration of obsessive-compulsive disorder using paradoxical intention

Marshall H. Lewis

pp. 175-178

in: Alexander Batthyány (ed), Logotherapy and existential analysis, Berlin, Springer, 2016

Abstract

This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of paradoxical intention in a contemporary outpatient community mental health center. Paradoxical intention is applied in three, one-hour sessions to a patient diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and suffering from intrusive thoughts of blasphemy during religious practices. When combined with relaxation training, the symptoms remit by the end of the third session. The patient remains symptom-free at a six-week follow-up appointment. The author finds that the application of paradoxical intention in the clinic is consistent with the research literature.