What technique involves having clients perform unpleasant tasks when symptoms occur?

The technique known as ordeals involves having clients engage in difficult or unpleasant tasks as a way to confront and manage their symptoms. This approach can be particularly effective because it encourages clients to face the discomfort associated with their issues, rather than avoiding them. By assigning these challenging tasks, therapists aim to create a sense of motivation for change and help clients develop coping strategies in real-world situations.

Ordeals are particularly rooted in certain forms of therapy, such as strategic family therapy, where the therapists use paradoxical interventions to provoke change. The unpleasant nature of the tasks can reframe the client's perception of their symptoms, making them more manageable and less overwhelming. The experience of overcoming these ordeals can also build resilience and enhance the clients' belief in their own abilities. This method emphasizes active engagement and can lead to significant behavioral changes in clients.