It is common knowledge that the therapeutic relationship is key, but how to use the strength of that relationship to elicit powerful feelings and help clients learn in real time about their interpersonal struggles is another matter entirely. Clinicians who are confident, skilled, and bold enough to use the intimacy and immediacy of the ‘here-and-now’ technique can help launch clients on their journeys of self-awareness and self-acceptance, and spark the skills and strength needed for growth. By showing and then discussing compelling excerpts of this final session, Yalom continues to teach us how to bring our full selves into therapy so clients can begin to do the same.
With more than three decades providing therapy, learning directly from the masters, and creating clinical training videos, Yalom is in an ideal position to teach us the difference between talking about feelings and fully experiencing them. Exploring the feelings clients have toward their therapist goes against the default that therapists tend to operate in, of maintaining “professional boundaries” or keeping a “neutral” stance. Instead, Yalom takes risks to bring his full self into his work, modeling and supporting the client to do the same, opening up a channel for the client to feel their feelings in real time.
In building upon and then deepening his here-and-now work with Heather, he creates a space where she can be vulnerable, yet safe. He demonstrates how to use emotional presence, modeling, role-play, and gentle coaching to move Heather more fully inward and outward. By joining them on this journey, you will gain confidence in using the therapeutic relationship to both support and challenge your own clients to take meaningful risks in the service of growth.
If you found Yalom’s first two sessions with Heather compelling and felt empowered to incorporate here-and-now techniques into your own work, then grab a front row seat, and continue your journey of growth, right here, right now!
