Noun
paradoxical intention (uncountable)
(psychotherapy) A psychotherapeutic technique used to treat anxiety by repeatedly rehearsing the anxiety-inducing pattern of thought or behaviour, often with exaggeration and humor.
Synonym: (initialism) PI
Paradoxical intention is a cognitive reframing technique where the insomniac, instead of attempting to fall asleep at night, makes every effort to stay awake (i.e. essentially stops trying to fall asleep). Source: Internet