Therapy Toronto Psychotherapy Definitions

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Sympathy

Sympathy: This literally means having a common feeling. It is an important component of the connection between human beings.

In therapy, a distinction is drawn between sharing similar feelings and sharing in feelings without entirely experiencing them.

Sympathy may lead to a lack of perspective. The therapist is expected to deal with his/her own emotional issues without counter-transference through sympathy.

See, in contrast, Empathy.