Role Reversal Technique

Role reversal is used by counselors when they believe that the client is acting in a manner that is opposite of underlying feelings. This causes them to appear disconnected. The counselor asks the client to get into the role in which they feel the anxiety of the situation. The client will then speak about how they're feeling, along with their attitudes and beliefs. The client looks at both roles and both sides of the conflict he is facing. He is then able to see all sides of the issue more clearly. A variation of this is where the client plays the role of another person who is involved with the situation. This allows the client to view different perspectives. Some clients may struggle or even refuse this at first because some roles may be very difficult to take on.