Chapter 3: Working Empathically As A Helper

Question 1

To understand something from another person’s point of view. When working in a counselling role, it means to gain an insight and appreciation of someone’s situation, thoughts, and feelings. It is seeing the world through someone else’s eyes and then communicating to them that you understand

Answer 1

Empathy

Question 2

What is the difference between empathy and sympathy?

Answer 2

Sympathy is something that is done to someone, empathy is something that is done with someone. Sympathy suggests feeling sorry for someone which can create a power imbalance. Empathy is about being on equal footing. The counsellor needs to enter the clients frame of reference to be able to imagine how they are feeling

Sympathy is about recognizing someone’s feelings and feeling for them, while empathy is actually sharing someone’s feelings and feeling with them

Question 3

Seeing things from the clients point of view

Answer 3

Frame of reference

Question 4

How does a counsellor build empathy?

Answer 4

Empathy is a quality that develops over time as a relationship develops and as you work on your own self awareness and insights.

You need to be honest about personal prejudices and stereotypes. You need to understand the fears and hurts in your own heart that may cause you to sit in judgement of others and then work towards self acceptance and tolerance of personal shortcomings.

Question 5

When we assume that an individual has exactly the same characteristics, abilities, and behaviours of a whole group, race, culture, etc.

Answer 5

Stereotyping

When we stereotype we stop seeing someone as an individual and assume we know all about them, without taking the time to get to know them. We ignore differences between individuals from the same group, race, and culture. Once we judge, we are unable to empathize

Question 6

Preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience

Answer 6

Prejudice

Question 7

The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex

Answer 7

Discrimination

Question 8

In summary, in order to develop empathy as a helper, you need to:

Answer 8

Understand the difference between empathy and sympathy

Work to understand difference and uniqueness in others

Challenge your own prejudices and stereotypes

Practice being able to communicate empathy