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Communication is a clinical skill (Part 2)
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One of the key skills in building relationships with others is the use of empathy. Empathy is referred to as the essential building block for extending compassion. That said, of all the skills used in a consultation, empathy is the one most often thought by learners to be a matter of personality trait rather than skill. Certainly one of the first steps in communicating empathy is the internal drive to truly want to understand the client’s perspective along with relevant communication skills to relay this knowingness. Although some of us are more naturally empathetic, skills necessary for empathy can be learned.
Key Points
- It’s not good enough to think empathetically. You must communicate it as well.
Empathy
Empathy requires the use of a 3-stage approach:
- Appreciating another person’s predicament or feelings by seeking to gather an understanding of their situation
- Communicating that understanding back to the person
- Pausing – coming to a full stop to let the other person absorb what has been said and give them the opportunity to say more or just feel your concern
Unlike sympathy that is more of a feeling of pity or concern outside of the client’s actual feelings or predicament, empathy is not only about being sensitive but overtly communicating that empathy to the client (Figure 1). It’s not good enough to think empathetically. You must communicate it as well. Use of empathy at appropriate times is a strong facilitative opening for clients to share more of their thoughts and concerns. This information is vital for understanding the client and working toward outcomes for the patients that take client’s concerns into consideration.
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