EMPATHETIC LISTENING IN PSYCHOTHERAPY: ITS IMPACT ON BUILDING THERAPEUTIC ALLIANCE AND CLIENT TRUST

psychology

Active listening is one of the critical components of psychotherapy since it is the foundation for the development of the therapeutic relationship and trust. This paper aims at analyzing empathic listening in relation to these two fundamental elements of counselling. In light of available empirical research studies and the theoretical analysis of the literature over the past five years, this paper explains how empathetic listening strengthens the therapeutic alliance and hence improves on therapy outcomes. Some of the working models which include atonement, validation, and emotional regulation are examined to explain how empathetic listening works in therapy. Exploring the difficulties of empathic listening also reveals the problem of therapist burnout and misinterpretation of the sufferer. Proposed modifications of current practice skills, include increasing training, checking and reflecting on own listening and responding to clients’ feedback. The paper stresses the importance of developing and honing the listening skills with an empathetic approach that specifies the relationship between empathy and the development of a therapeutic environment. The implications highlighted here point out that the act of empathetic listening not only fosters trust and working alliance but also enhances client’s agency as it bears great significance for the therapeutic process.

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