The Use of Immediacy

The Use of Immediacy
In this module, you learned about the identification of client themes and core issues, as well as interpersonal interventions that can address these issues. Research has shown that regardless of theoretical orientation or specific techniques, the strength of the relationship between the therapist and the client appears to be the strongest predictor of client change. In previous modules, you learned about mindfulness and therapeutic presence as key concepts that contribute to the therapeutic relationship. For your discussion question in this module, you will build upon these therapist characteristics and discuss a related concept, the therapist’s use of immediacy.
Tasks:
In a minimum of 300 words, post to the Discussion Area your response to the following:
Define and discuss the ways in which the following concepts and therapeutic tools are related when used in the counseling process: immediacy, process comments, and a here-and-now focus. Give an example of something a counselor might say in a session that would incorporate all three of these concepts and explain how each concept is exemplified.
After describing these concepts, reflect upon your own comfort level and sense of confidence in using these tools with clients in your future work as a counselor. What do you see as the risks of using these more relationally focused interventions with clients, and what do you see as the benefits?