Immediacy is defined as “the current interaction of the therapist and client in the relationship, as “being in the moment with the client” and dealing with what the client and counselor are experiencing in the here and now. “you-me talk” in which the counselor helps the client to experience the sharing of feelings by the counselor as being a focal point of the skill: “Immediacy refers to the helper disclosing immediate feelings about self in relation to the client or the therapeutic relationship
” For example, the counselor might say, “I’m wondering if you are telling me what you think I want to hear rather than how you really felt about that event.”
Can you tell us more about these difficulties?
How do you feel about the group pressure to talk?
Can the group help somehow?
I see silence bothers you.
I feel angry for the way you have been treated.
So you expect the group to express positive feeling toward you, so you can share for freely?
Great Information
http://www.spiritualriver.com/Addiction_Help_Guide.pdf
I found this blog a few weeks ago and consider it very worthwhile reading.
http://www.spiritualriver.com/
Creative Recovery answers a lot of those questions about what happens when relapse preventions tools I learned are not the right tool for the moment. The author appears very supportive of traditional recovery practices, but also asks us to take responsibility, actually to get excited about taking responsibiltiy for our own recovery.
Have I recently fell into the the “Expert Trap”?
Expert Trap
In the “expert trap,” counselors fall into providing direction to the client without first helping the client to determine his or her own goals, direction and plans. The problem with this approach is that clients may tend to passively accept the counselor’s suggestions, and may only halfheartedly commit to the difficult work involved in changing. A counselor using the MI approach is not non-directive, that is, he or she will offer change suggestions . However, this is done after the client’s motivation is high, after initial exploration of multiple pathways to change, and only upon client’s request, or when the counselor perceives that the client is in immediate danger if not given advice.
Counselor: ” I recently read what another Counselor wrote that 90 % of people have an issue with alcohol or other substance, the people in our group have chosen to be here. I find that commendable that you are the 10% doing something about your problem”.
Expert Trap?
MI Principle # 4 Support Self Efficacy A persons belief in the possibility of change is an important motivator. The client not the counselor, is responsible for choosing and carrying out change.
The counselors own belief in the persons ability to change becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
Passively accept the counselor’s suggestions, and only halfheartedly commit to the difficult work involved in changing? Or motivated by counselors belief in their ability to change?
I am pondering the question, looking forward to comments, Please write your comments into the blog so that others can benefit from the discussion.
Save the screening form to your desk top, make a copy so you can do the screening, drag and drop into Active screeings file.
When you finish your screening interview be sure to close out your doucment so it can be viewed by the LIP.
Examples of reflections–
I see your jaws clenching and you appear angry! Can you tell the group whats going on with you right now?
I see you shifting around in your chair, rather nervously. How is what Bob saying effecting you?
Bob, I see you nodding your head in agreement, with John. how do you feel about what he is saying?
Mike, I notice you shaking your head in diagreement with what Sam is saying. Can you tell Sam what you think?
http://www.motivationalinterview.org/clinical/interaction.html
Good information on MI
