Why is Empathy the Cornerstone of Counseling?

Brené Brown on Empathy

To understand empathy’s overwhelming impact on human connection, we must first define it.

Empathy is translated from the German “Einfühlung” or “feeling into.” While sympathy is the ability to feel concern for others, empathy reaches beyond this.

Empathy is the choice of fully immersing and feeling the experiences of others through perspective-taking. The ability to empathize with and understand the unique emotions and experiences of the client was first explored by Carl Rogers, a founding figure in client-centered therapy.

Empathy is critical in mental health practices as it promotes trust and validation, encourages self-exploration, strengthens relationships, and facilitates change.

To truly understand empathy, we can reference a powerful metaphor by Dr. Brene Brown. Empathy is when we feel with one another.

Say someone is physically stuck at the bottom of a pit, and they call out to you in despair. You may want to call back in sympathy, “I’m sorry you’re experiencing this. At least there is a ladder! Please climb back up.”

While this offers sympathy and a solution, it can be perceived as judgmental and isolating.

Inversely, an empathetic approach would include climbing down the ladder, free of judgment, and sitting with those challenging emotions together.

As Dr. Brene Brown sees it, there is nothing that must be said or done beyond “I’m so glad you told me.” While empathy looks different from person to person, it is irrefutable that empathy is essential in a counselor-to-client relationship. It promotes honesty and safety while removing any chance of misunderstanding. Empathy allows counselors to create an environment that is empowering to the client and welcoming of all complex emotions.

This is essential in the healing process by providing emotional validation and encouraging self-exploration within each client.

Empathy is the cornerstone of counseling, as it creates a unique relationship between client and counselor, as well as growth and change between the client and their relationship with challenging feelings.

Whether just starting therapy or far into the journey, it is crucial to feel safe, supported, validated, and understood. Empathy is a powerful tool that is essential in mental health practices and human connection universally.