Empathy can be trained
Empathy is important for good counseling: it builds trust, can motivate clients, and helps break down prejudices (Klonek et al., 2020; Lambert & Barley, 2001; Ritter et al., 2002). That is why research has been conducted for many years to determine whether empathy can be specifically promoted.
What the research shows:
Studies prove that empathy can be trained—at least in the short term, and in some cases with longer-term effects. Perspective-taking (cognitive empathy) and visible empathic behavior are particularly easy to train, for example through active listening or feedback during conversations (Fragkos & Crampton, 2020; Patel et al., 2019; Wu et al., 2024).
How empathy can be promoted:
There is no single “best” method. Combinations of different approaches are successful (Paulus & Meinken, 2022; Wu et al., 2024):
- Exercises for self-awareness and mindfulness to reduce stress and be more open to others (Lamothe et al., 2016; Wilkinson et al., 2017).
- Perspective shifts and simulations that help to better understand clients' life situations and break down prejudices (Patel et al., 2019).
- Reflection and exchange in groups to practice empathy together and transfer it to everyday work (Zhou et al., 2021).
Significance for counseling practice:
Training should be tailored to the respective target groups and be practical in nature—for example, by incorporating the experiences of people from different backgrounds (Borscha et al., 2022). This enables counselors to learn how to consciously use empathy even in difficult situations.
Conclusion:
Empathy is not a fixed trait—it can be practiced. For job center employees, this means that they can strengthen their empathic skills and thus make their work with a diverse clientele even more effective.
