Open AccessBrief Therapy Based on Interrupting Ironic Processes: The Palo Alto Model
Author(s) -
Rohrbaugh Michael J.,
Shoham Varda
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
clinical psychology: science and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.285
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1468-2850
pISSN - 0969-5893
DOI - 10.1093/clipsy.8.1.66
Subject(s) - palo , complaint , intervention (counseling) , computer science , operations research , psychology , engineering , political science , law , psychiatry , operating system
The model of brief therapy developed by Fisch, Weak‐land, Watzlawick, and colleagues in Palo Alto is based on identifying and interrupting ironic processes that occur when repeated attempts to solve a problem keep the problem going or make it worse. Formulations of ironic problem‐solution loops provide a template for assessment and strategic intervention, indicating where to look to understand what keeps a problem going (look for “more of the same” solution) and what needs to happen for the complaint to be resolved (someone must apply “less of the same” solution). Supporting research is preliminary but suggests this approach may be well suited for change‐resistant clients.