Using the Therapist's Inner Conversation for Empathy's Development

Abstract

This article presents a case study exploring the development of empathy in therapy, drawing on Flaskas' conceptualisation of empathic imagination, which highlights the dynamic interplay between identification and differentiation. A structured exercise was implemented, adapting Rober's methodology for examining the therapist's inner dialogue, particularly in the context of a therapist experiencing challenges in maintaining an empathic connection with an adolescent client. This approach cultivated an awareness of the therapist's immediate experiences and utilised personal resonances to bridge the emotional landscapes of both the therapist and the client. Two key contributions are proposed: first, the adaptation of Rober's methodology to aid therapists in tracing resonances related to both identification and difference; second, a theoretical and practical proposal that delineates three dimensions through which connections to clients' narratives can emerge, accompanied by a six-question guide intended to support clinical supervision processes and promote the unique expression of clients' experiences. Collectively, these contributions aim to enhance the development of empathy and expand the potential for meaning-making in therapeutic interactions.