What technique in Strategic Therapy uses ordeals to alter symptom expression?

In Strategic Therapy, manipulating the symptom is a technique that intentionally uses ordeals to alter the manifestation of symptoms. This approach is based on the premise that by introducing a requirement or challenge (the ordeal) associated with the symptom, the therapist can provoke a change in the client's behavior and perception surrounding the symptom. For instance, if a client exhibits a particular symptom that is troublesome, their therapist might assign them a task that makes the symptom less appealing or reinforces the idea that the symptom is costly or burdensome.

This technique leverages the concept that creating an inconvenience or a negative consequence associated with the symptom can encourage clients to reconsider how they engage with it. Thus, rather than directly challenging the symptom, manipulating it allows for a more strategic alteration of its expression, promoting behavioral change. This aligns with the broader goals of Strategic Therapy, which often seeks to disrupt dysfunctional patterns within the family or individual by introducing innovative approaches like ordeals.

In contrast, active listening involves the therapist reflecting back what the client has expressed but does not directly alter symptom expression. Task assignment may involve giving clients tasks to reinforce positive change but may not specifically involve altering a symptom through confrontation or inconvenience. Cognitive restructuring focuses on changing thought patterns and does not directly connect to the strategic manipulation of symptoms