Immediacy may seem like a stale topic, but I truly believe that it has the capacity to be the primary tool of magic in the therapeutic relationship.Immediacy is risky. Immediacy is counter-cultural. Immediacy is a disruption to our people-pleasing tendencies. Immediacy challenges us to stretch our tolerance for uncertainty. Immediacy is a key to unlocking difficult clients.Immediacy invites us to do therapy by taking off the therapist mask and being seen. Immediacy is the mediator of therapeutic intimacy that can change lives.It’s not trendy, influencers aren’t posting about it, but it is incredibly powerful and effective.Today, my dear friend and colleague K Hixson returns for a conversation about immediacy and why we believe that it is such a potent tool.Listen to the full episode to hear:How immediacy lays the groundwork for intimacy and trust in the therapeutic relationshipHow we’ve confused therapy with customer service, and how immediacy breaks down our people-pleasing tendenciesHow immediacy can teach us to repair ruptures in a way that strengthens the relationshipWhy immediacy is so effective with clients with interpersonal trauma historiesThe role of self-disclosure in using immediacyWhy over-attachment to protocols is really just wish fulfillmentWhy it’s vital to broaden our understanding of the history of the field and not just chase the latest trends Learn more about Dr. K Hixson:WebsiteLearn more about Riva Stoudt:Into the Woods CounselingInstagramResources:The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, Irvin YalomNegotiating the Therapeutic Alliance: A Relational Treatment Guide, Jeremy Safran, J. Christopher Muran

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