EP 2.9 - Immediacy in Therapy: Breaking the Fourth Wall with Dr. K Hixson

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 relationship
• How we’ve confused therapy with customer service, and how immediacy breaks down our people-pleasing tendencies
• How immediacy can teach us to repair ruptures in a way that strengthens the relationship
• Why immediacy is so effective with clients with interpersonal trauma histories
• The role of self-disclosure in using immediacy
• Why over-attachment to protocols is really just wish fulfillment
• Why 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:

• Website

Learn more about Riva Stoudt:

• Into the Woods Counseling
• Instagram

Resources:

• The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, Irvin Yalom
• Negotiating the Therapeutic Alliance: A Relational Treatment Guide, Jeremy Safran, J. Christopher Muran