Which Gestalt technique is used when a person denies an aspect of their personality?

• A. Role-playing exercise
• B. Exposure therapy
• C. Reversal exercise
• D. Mindfulness technique

Answer: (C)

The reversal exercise is a Gestalt therapy technique that is specifically designed to help individuals explore and accept parts of their personality that they may be denying or rejecting. This technique involves encouraging the person to act out or embody the opposing characteristics of what they typically suppress. For example, if an individual tends to deny their anger, they might be prompted to express it through role-playing or exaggerated behavior, allowing them to experience and integrate this aspect of themselves.

This process helps in increasing awareness of conflicting feelings and promotes a more holistic understanding of one’s self. By confronting denied aspects, individuals can work toward achieving greater emotional balance and acceptance.

The other techniques mentioned serve different purposes within therapeutic contexts. Role-playing exercises typically help clients practice social skills or explore relational dynamics but are not specifically aimed at addressing denied aspects of personality. Exposure therapy is often used in the context of anxiety disorders to gradually expose clients to their fears, rather than addressing internal conflicts related to personality. Mindfulness techniques focus on present-moment awareness and acceptance but do not directly engage with the specific denial of personality traits the way reversal exercises do.