Counsellors' lived experiences of empathy & compassion: An interpretive phenomenological inquiry. Issue 4 (20th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maurya, Rakesh Kumar; DeDiego, Amanda C.; Morgan, Michael M.
• Is Part Of: Counselling and psychotherapy research. Volume 22:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 1077
• Page End: 1086
• Publication Date: 2022-08-20
• Subjects: compassion -- counselling -- empathy -- therapeutic alliance; Counseling -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.891405
• DOI: 10.1002/capr.12576
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-3145

Abstract

Abstract: Empathy and compassion are critical elements in counselling presence and practice. The present interpretive phenomenological study explored counsellor lived experiences of empathy and compassion. Through interpretative phenomenological analysis, findings highlighted how counsellors experience compassion and empathy, how boundaries shape wellness and practice with clients, and the impact of empathy and compassion over a career. The findings suggest that self‐other differentiation is key while using empathy to develop a strong therapeutic alliance and counsellor self‐care. Implications inform how counsellors can maintain wellness and learn to foster empathy and compassion in practice.