Yalom Here And Now Analysis

Yalom (2012) describes the “here-and-now” as the therapist’s best friend in therapy. He asserts these claims with the importance of interpersonal relationships in all lives, and how therapy can be a microcosm of society (Yalom, 2012). In essence, Yalom (2012) theorizes interpersonal problems are a majority of what clients will come in struggling with and said interpersonal problems will eventually surface during therapy (Yalom, 2012). Having these issues surface gives the therapist an opportunity to explore the depths of the struggles a client is encountering and offers the chance for the client and therapist to discover healthier alternatives. Yalom (2012) gives several cases exemplifying how the “here-and-now” can be used in therapy. However, digging into a client’s present response requires tact. Yalom (2012) encourages therapists to focus their “here-and-now” statements on how the therapist feels, not what the client is doing. Such statements appear to have the impact a therapist would hope without putting the client on the defensive. …show more content…
From anxiety over the future to feelings of guilt & shame regarding the past people are shifting their focus so rapidly it appears they are unable to observe what is happening right now. I believe helping ground people in the “here-and-now” is a highly important part of therapy. In my experience, the past and the future are powerful agents in shading the all-important present. Guilt, shame, and worry rob people of the ability to enjoy what is in front of them. If a therapist is able to explore the “here-and-now” with a client then there is also a possibility the client can be taught to remain in the