Confrontation

Confrontation refers to challenging an individual’s, couple’s, or group’s behaviors or thoughts. In therapy, confrontation often includes the therapist asking clients to identify self-defeating patterns of thoughts or behaviors that may negatively impact interpersonal relationships or personal safety. Confrontation also includes feedback to the clients about their impact on the therapist. It is important for therapists to be able to confront clients at times in order to help clients and therapy progress. This entry describes confrontation as it relates to the interaction between client and therapist, ways to confront, and the impact on relationships.