Attack Therapy

Attack therapy is an approach of treatment that emphasizes confrontation of the client in an effort to address dysfunctional behaviors and low self-esteem. This approach concentrates on providing negative feedback to the client as a motivation to change and has been used in a small number of substance abuse and adolescent treatment facilities. Also known as confrontational therapy or ventilation treatment, this method of therapy is used to assist the client or group to address problematic behavior that may be hindering therapeutic progress. This approach uses verbal abuse, humiliation and shame, denouncing, and demoralizing techniques by the therapist toward the client or group members. Although controversial and potentially dangerous for some clients, it has been shown to be somewhat effective within limited settings.