Research has consistently found that the major factor in positive outcomes in psychotherapy is the relationship or alliance between the therapist and the client. “Clearly, there is one type of response that therapists make that is superior to all others. When asked about the very best practices in counseling, he delved into empathic responding and described it as “superior to all other responses.” He explains what exactly empathic responding is, and why it’s beneficial (even necessary) to the therapeutic process:
EMPATHETIC LISTENING PROFESSIONAL
Steve Sultanoff, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychologist, professional speaker, and professor at Pepperdine University. Whatever the case may be, you’ll learn a little about something called empathic responding (perhaps better known as active listening). Maybe you’re considering therapy and you’re hoping for some insight that’ll help you start believing in the journey.
Have you ever wondered what makes for a positive therapist-client relationship and an overall successful therapy journey? Maybe you’re a past/present therapy client who wants to better understand how this process works. Solicitation responses succeed in developing a positive therapeutic relationship between counselor and client.Solicitation responses are used to encourage the client to explore their feelings further. Another beneficial response is solicitation.Though it may sound like reflective listening, they differ in that empathic responding doesn’t always reflect both feeling and content.Empathic responding is when the counselor clearly communicates the feeling their client has expressed, as well as why they possess those feelings (again, according to the client).Therapists possess and utilize many skills, but a very important response for them to master within their practice is empathetic responding or active listening.