A patient says, “I feel alone even when my family visits.” Which response best demonstrates empathy?
Correct answer: C. It sounds as though you feel lonely despite their visits.
- A. You should spend more time talking with your family.
- B. I understand exactly how you feel in this situation.
- C. It sounds as though you feel lonely despite their visits.
- D. Your family probably feels worried about you too.
Explanation
Empathy recognises and communicates an understanding of the patient's feelings without claiming to share the exact experience. Advice, assumptions, and statements such as “I understand exactly” may block further expression.
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About Therapeutic Communication
Therapeutic communication covers active listening, empathy, clarification, reflection, silence, open-ended questioning, and purposeful responses that help patients express thoughts and feelings. It distinguishes therapeutic techniques from barriers such as false reassurance, advice-giving, judgment, changing the subject, probing, and asking repeated or closed questions.
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