Which technique involves discussing sensitive issues openly in therapy?

The technique of confrontation involves discussing sensitive issues openly in therapy. This approach is often used to bring attention to discrepancies between a client’s thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. By confronting these issues, the therapist encourages clients to examine uncomfortable feelings and challenges, which can lead to significant insights and personal growth.

In the therapeutic context, this technique aims to help clients recognize and confront aspects of their experiences that they may be avoiding or are unaware of. It facilitates a deeper understanding of their motivations and behaviors. By addressing these sensitive topics directly, therapists can support clients in moving past denial or avoidance, ultimately leading to enhanced self-awareness and personal development.

Other options, while valuable in therapy, focus on different aspects. Interpretation centers on unveiling underlying meanings and connections in a client’s narratives, and empathy is about understanding and validating a client's feelings. Supportive reflection is geared towards affirming the client’s experiences, promoting their emotional safety rather than challenging them. Each of these methods plays a role in therapy, but confrontation specifically targets the open discussion of sensitive matters.