What does reframing aim to accomplish in therapy?

Reframing in therapy is a technique that involves changing the way a person perceives a situation, behavior, or thought. The goal is to help the individual view their experiences and challenges from a more positive or constructive perspective. By encouraging clients to see their behaviors or difficulties in a different light, reframing can foster hope, resilience, and a greater sense of agency. This positive shift in perception can also contribute to improved emotional states and coping strategies.

While identifying negative behaviors, changing family hierarchies, and encouraging independence are all important aspects of certain therapeutic approaches, they do not capture the essence of what reframing specifically aims to accomplish. Reframing is primarily about altering perceptions to facilitate a more constructive and optimistic approach to challenges rather than directly addressing the negatives or structural dynamics within relationships.