The Problem of Measurement and Evaluation of Empathy in Psychotherapy

We review approaches to research of empathy in counseling and psychotherapy. The analysis of studying empathy as a process in counselor/therapist and client interaction shows virtually absence of such research in Russia. The empirical study described in the article was devoted to the development of a diagnostic tool for empathy investigation. This tool is based on the concept of semiotic aspects of empathy, formulated by F.E. Vasilyuk in the framework of appreciational psychotherapy. The paper describes the tool for description and
evaluation of semiotic aspects of empathy as empathy microprocesses. We analyze phenomena detected by the Scale, concerning thorough and cyclical working-through of empathy semiotic aspects during effective consultations. The capabilities assessment of Semiotic Aspects of Empathy Scale was based on the material of Jane consultation with K. Rogers and 15 training students consultation of Department of Counseling, MCUPE during the workshop for appreciational psychotherapy. Results of the study suggest the adequacy of the Scale for research and teaching purposes.

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