Empathic Understanding Revisited: Conceptualization, Controversies, and Limitations

Empathic understanding is reconsidered as an interpersonal process requiring continuous validation and as a phenomenon based on the belief that the inner world of others is ascertainable. The relationship between experiencing patients’ emotions and empathic understanding is examined. It is emphasized that although useful in psychotherapy, empathic understanding has limitations, originating in both the therapist and the patient, which calls for its cautious use.