What is therapeutic double-binds?

Therapeutic double-binds are situations intentionally created by therapists as a part of psychotherapy sessions to help their clients recognize, question and reframe negative beliefs or thought patterns. In this technique, clients are presented with two apparently contradictory options or ideas, forcing them to challenge their beliefs and find a new way of thinking. For example, a therapist may say “I want you to change, but I don’t want you to change” which can prompt the client to examine their resistance to change. Therapeutic double-binds are used to help clients explore deeper feelings and beliefs that may be holding them back, helping to instigate change and transformation. This technique has been used effectively in many types of therapy, including family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy.