Excellent question (((((((((((((( Fuzzy ))))))))))))))))

I think that most times, empathy and compassion run hand in hand.

Here is a great explanation of empathy -

the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another

And here is a great explanation of compassion -

the humane quality of understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it

I think that both of these qualities should be a huge part of a good and deep friendship. Do some therapist have those qualities in their practice? Most definitely. Do some not? Probably.

For myself, I am very satisfied if my therapist has compassion. I don't think my therapist would neccissarily need to be empathetic because my feelings are my own and I don't expect someone else to feel them. But I do expect my therapist to be compassionate, for in that compassion I can learn and grow.


sabby