SW 320 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Cengage Learning, Body Language
Document Summary
Being empathetic involves connecting with clients by attuning to their thoughts and feelings. It requires considering the content and feelings of what is shared and possible meaning for clients. Empathetic practitioners attend to what is not said and is at the periphery of awareness as well as what is said and is the focal awareness. The sense of being understood is essential to establishing relationships with clients. Empathetic understanding is the foundation of the worker-client relationship. The basis for empathetic communication is the ability to join with or connect with another person. Expressing empathy means communicating an understanding of another person"s experience, behavior, viewpoint, meanings, and/or feelings. Empathy is not expressed by saying if i were you or i know just how you feel : it"s expressed by restating in your own words your understanding of what your client is expressing. As you express your empathetic understanding, you will be validating the client"s experience.
