You are in the midst of an individual meeting with Gloria, a teenage member of the Smith family. She confides to you that although she is sexually active with her boyfriend, she often fantasizes about another person. As she says that, she looks deeply into your eyes, blushes, and then looks away in what appears to be an embarrassed reaction. You suspect that she has had sexual fantasies about
you. You know that it would be quite consistent with your contract to discuss this directly. What would you say while responding with immediacy to the teenager’s expression?
What will be an ideal response?
ANS: Students' answers will vary. The skill of responding with immediacy (Carkhuff & Anthony, 1979) involves exploring clients' thoughts and feelings about you, your relationship with each other, or your work together as they occur. In responding with immediacy, you focus on clients' experience of what is occurring right here and right now between you. These thoughts and feelings become the subject for immediate exploration. Responding with immediacy makes things real. It intensifies the relationship and encourages clients to explore relational concerns as they emerge. When you respond in an immediate manner, you also demonstrate or model an open communication style. Such openness may promote greater honesty and authenticity on the part of clients, increase their understanding of interpersonal patterns, and reduce their hesitation to address issues and goals.
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