This clinical skill consists of dealing openly with issues that are present in the clinical relationship.

• A. Immediacy
• B. Confrontation
• C. Exploring Alternatives
• D. Self-Disclosure

Answer: (A)

Immediacy is the skill of bringing attention to what’s happening in the therapy relationship right now. It involves naming and exploring tensions, reactions, or dynamics that emerge between you and the client as they occur, rather than only addressing content or keeping quiet. When you notice a shift in how you’re relating—such as a client becoming guarded, a mismatch between spoken and felt emotion, or a palpable rupture—immediacy invites the client to reflect on the relational process and helps repair the alliance. This approach supports transparency, clarifies boundaries, and models open, collaborative communication about the therapeutic process. It’s about the interaction itself, not about consulting or confronting the client about their behavior, nor about sharing personal details or presenting alternative options. By directly addressing these in-session dynamics, you maintain trust and keep the work focused on what the relationship is doing in the moment.