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What attitude should a counselor demonstrate towards a client, instead of feeling sorry for them?

  1. Sympathy

  2. Empathy

  3. Judgment

  4. Indifference

The correct answer is: Empathy

A counselor should embody empathy towards a client, which involves understanding and sharing the feelings of the client without judgment or pity. Empathy is crucial in the counseling relationship because it fosters a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard and validated. This attitude allows the counselor to connect with the client’s experiences on a deeper level, facilitating a therapeutic alliance that is essential for effective counseling. By demonstrating empathy, counselors can help clients explore their thoughts and feelings more thoroughly, promoting insight and personal growth. Unlike sympathy, which might imply a sense of pity, empathy encourages mutual understanding and reinforces the client’s strength and resilience. Therefore, adopting an empathetic stance is vital for a productive counseling process.