ABSTRACT
Many social work theorists consider empathy as central to human experience and a critical element in professional practice. Most social workers recognize that without empathy, there would be fewer engaged clients and fewer successful outcomes. It is here that the relational-cultural model and mainstream social work approach to empathy part ways. The power and value of empathy are highlighted in constructing a feminist relational paradigm for practice. Finally, empathy is more than just a technique; it is related to one's capacity for emotional connection. The notion of intersubjectivity implies a high level of emotional attunement and sharing, and can serve as an instrument of therapeutic change. It allows for the existence of individual differences without the obliteration of individuality. Genuine empathy takes place in relational, cultural, economic, historical, and social contexts, and, hopefully, leads to an increase in the client's sense of well-being and sense of connectedness to others.
