What do you mean by Empathy?
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. In social work, empathy is a vital skill that allows professionals to connect with clients on a deeper emotional level. It involves putting oneself in another person’s situation and trying to feel what they are experiencing, without judgment.
Empathy helps build trust and rapport between the social worker and the client. It allows the worker to respond with sensitivity, compassion, and appropriate support. Unlike sympathy, which may create distance, empathy fosters connection and empowers individuals by validating their emotions and experiences. In short, empathy is at the heart of effective and ethical social work practice.