Which technique reduces the usefulness of manipulative behavior by pointing out the manipulation?

• A. Striving for superiority
• B. Spitting in the client's soup
• C. Private logic
• D. Social interest

Answer: (B)

Directly naming and exposing manipulative tactics to the client is a technique used in Adlerian practice to reduce manipulation's effectiveness. This approach, often described as "spitting in the client's soup," involves the counselor clearly pointing out the manipulation and showing the consequences it creates—how the tactic backfires, disturbs others, or thwarts the client’s own goals. By making the manipulation visible and socially costly, the client experiences the downside of using those strategies, which helps undermine their usefulness and nudges them toward more cooperative, socially oriented behavior. The other terms describe underlying motives or beliefs rather than a concrete method for countering manipulation: striving for superiority is a motivational drive, private logic is the client's internal belief system, and social interest is the goal of contributing to others' welfare.