Empathy is viewed as one of the key characteristics to encourage clients to discuss their issues and emotions eventually allowing the counselor to help aide them in recovery and self-healing (Egan & Reese, 2019). Effective communication is encouraged using empathy and being able to understand other feelings. The counselor constantly can demonstrate active listening by showing empathy and be empathetic to each individual situation being discussed. By using SOLER or
sit squarely, open posture, lean towards the other, eye contact, and relax. Paraphrasing is also a good communication skill to use to show understanding or intent to understand exactly what the client is saying demonstrating to them an interest in their situation showing empathy.
During the practice exercise, I found it challenging to not try to relate to the client in their situations of scenarios. I had to use a lot of self-restraints to not chime in and interrupt to relate to what the client was discussing with me. In future practice I need to be more self-aware
that the sessions are about the clients and in certain counseling strategies relating to the client can be helpful but in regular client sessions this can be harmful. More practice in utilizing these skills are needed prior to becoming a licensed counselor.
References
Empathy definition: What is empathy. Greater Good. (n.d.). Retrieved February 25, 2023, from
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/empathy/definition
.
Egan, G., & Reese, R. J. (2019).The skilled helper: A problem-management and opportunity-
development approach to helping(11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/9780357539026/epub/OEBPS/
01_9781305865716_cov.html#page_cover
