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complishment ofwhat the patient desires. According to Franklparadoxical intention
is a logotherapeutic technique in whichthe phobicpatient is invitedto intend., evenif
onlyfor a moment, preciselythat whichhe fears (see Frankl 1986:223). This im­
plies a definite cognitive decisionfromthe side ofthe patient to get involved. In
otherwords,the patient/client must decide to change.
Thislogotherapeutic methodintends"to take the wind out ofthe sails ofthe phobia",
and this bringsabout a changeofattitude toward the phobia. The procedure makes
use ofself-detachment whichis a capacityinherentin the otherhuman ability,that of
usinghumor to laugh at one's own weaknesses and fears. This is why Frankl belie­
ves that paradoxical intention shouldactuallybe used in a humoristic setting (Gutt­
mann 1996:74).
Humorin the therapeutic settingproduces an unforeseen mentalpicture that becomes
transparent to the listener. Through usinghumor, for example,a joke, the listener, is
thrust from one "symbolic"universe to another in a sudden change with the aid of
verbal connections. According to Frankl he uses humorto reduce exactly thatwhich
the patient fears most. He has realisedthat no amountofargumentation, persuasion,
guidance, or explanations will help people who are trapped in their own cocoon of
fear. Itis onlythroughmakingan appeal to the human capacity oflaughter, via the
use ofhumor, that will lead to the desired result. There is no doubt thatparadoxical
intention, as analysedand developed by Frankl, requires the mobilization ofan indi­
vidual's sense ofhumor to counteract hisproblem (Guttmann 1996:76).
Paradoxical intentionis especiallyuseful in short-termtherapy, and accordingto
Frankl,it does not belongto the persuasivemethods. A patient (or client) does not
suppresseshislher fears on rationalgrounds, but he/she overcomes them by exaggera-
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