What involves presenting a weak argument against a commitment so that the client will argue in favor of commitment?

The devil's advocate technique is a valuable strategy in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) when working to strengthen a client's commitment to their goals or decisions. By deliberately presenting a weak argument against a client's commitment, the therapist encourages the client to articulate their reasons for maintaining that commitment. This process serves multiple purposes: it helps the client clarify their values and motivations, strengthens their resolve, and fosters a sense of ownership over their choices.

This technique is especially useful in situations where the client may have ambivalence or conflict regarding their goals. By engaging in a discussion that requires them to defend their choices, clients can often gain insight into why their commitment is important to them, which can enhance their confidence and clarity.

Other options, while related to therapeutic techniques, do not specifically describe this approach. For instance, positive reinforcement focuses on encouraging desired behaviors through rewards, while motivational interviewing concentrates on enhancing the client’s motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. Contradicting commitment strategy is not a widely recognized method in DBT and does not capture the essence of the approach described in the question.