There are therapies that are confrontational on purpose. Some that use paradoxes and outrageous things to provoke on purpose. And then the types that challenge patterns of behavior and thinking that are considered "irrational" and need "correcting." I don't like any of these things. They may not be classified as manipulative in the strictest sense of the word, but I would feel some pressure and power issues if that happened and wouldn't feel safe anymore.

There are other ways to approaching things that are gentle and respectful and feel more safe and productive.