Here is the synopsis of our sample research paper on The Phenomenology of Empathy and Intersubjectivity
in Psychotherapy and Diagnosis
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This 10 page paper relates the concepts of empathy and intersubjectivity. The concept of empathy has been central to views of psychotherapy since the assertions of Carl Rogers almost two decades ago. Since that time, the study of the phenomenological view of empathy by theorists like Husserl, Sheler and Stein have influenced assessments of the patient/therapist relationship and the therapeutic models being used for both diagnoses and psychotherapy. Bibliography lists 12 sources.
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10 pages (~225 words per page)
File: MH11_MHempaPs.rtf
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the phenomenological view of empathy by theorists like Husserl, Sheler and Stein have influenced assessments of the patient/therapist relationship and the therapeutic models being used for both diagnoses and psychotherapy.
Gallese (2003) assessed the connection, then, between individuals and their social connection as a component of assessing both empathy and intersubjectivity: "As human beings, we constantly seek
for a balanced equilibrium between the need to express our individuality and uniqueness, and the necessity to follow the social rule dictated by our highly structured society. All of
our social transactions depend on mutual understanding" (p. 177). The phenomenological assessment of empathy and intersubjectivity as the bases for psychotherapy extends from the view that there is intentionality
in the relational factors that shape the function and role of the psychotherapist. Empathy provides the basis through which the psychotherapist can assess the capacity of the individual to
seek the alleviation of infirmity and promote positive change. Correspondingly, the intersubjective nature of empathy also supports the integration of the therapist/patient relationship as a tool for therapeutic change.
Carl Rogers (1986) argued: "...the individual has within himself or herself vast resources for self-understanding, for altering him or her self-concept, attitudes, and self-directed behavior -- and that
these resources can be tapped if only a definable climate of facilitative psychological attitudes can be provided" (p. 135) Phenomenology Janetius (2002) argues that in the modern era, psychologists
have become aware of the importance of assessing the cultural background of clients in order to address their issues and determine treatment processes. At the same time, many Western
belief systems and the structures of Western medicine, including the mental health profession, have focused on individualism and independence, rather than the kind of interdependence that would suggest the necessity
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