"Paradoxical Intent" (Viktor Frankl)

Paradoxical Intent, developed by Viktor Frankl, is a psychological technique where individuals intentionally engage in or wish for the very behaviors or experiences they fear or want to avoid. The idea is that by confronting these fears consciously, they often lose their power and diminish in intensity. For example, a person with performance anxiety might intentionally focus on performing poorly, which can reduce the pressure and anxiety associated with striving for perfection. This approach helps break the cycle of fear by encouraging a mindful confrontation, leading to greater control and reduced distress.