What is the primary goal of confrontation?

• A. To help clients perceive themselves and reality more clearly
• B. To provoke defensiveness
• C. To enforce the therapist's point of view
• D. To quickly terminate therapy

Answer: (A)

Confrontation is an intervention used to help clients perceive themselves and reality more clearly by pointing out inconsistencies between what they say or believe and what they actually do, or between their self-image and observable behavior. The aim is to create a moment of heightened awareness that can motivate change, not to argue or impose the therapist’s viewpoint. When delivered with warmth, respect, and attunement, confrontation helps clients see gaps in their thinking or behavior, reduce denial, and begin aligning actions with their stated goals and values. It isn’t about provoking defensiveness, enforcing the therapist’s perspective, or rushing to end therapy; those would undermine progress and the therapeutic relationship.