Which therapy technique involves a state of extreme self-focus and attention?

The technique that involves a state of extreme self-focus and attention is hypnosis. In hypnosis, individuals are guided into a trance-like state where they experience heightened focus and concentration. This can lead to an increased receptivity to suggestions and a deeper engagement with their thoughts and feelings. The process often encourages participants to explore their inner experiences at a more profound level, including thoughts, memories, and emotions that might not be accessible during normal waking consciousness.

While mindfulness involves a form of self-focus, it emphasizes awareness of the present moment without judgment rather than the intense, focused attention characteristic of hypnosis. Gestalt therapy centers on awareness of the here and now, facilitating personal growth through self-exploration but does not utilize the focused state of concentration found in hypnosis. Behavioral therapy is primarily concerned with modifying maladaptive behaviors rather than fostering an intense state of focused attention. Thus, hypnosis stands out as the technique specifically associated with extreme self-focus and attention.