ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the variety of empathy training interventions that can be used to encourage new couples to relate more effectively as a team. Since the beginning of pre-marital counseling, most models in therapy have some degree of empathy training as a part of helping couples understand each other better. As couple therapy began to evolve, clinicians quickly realized that not only do clients need validation or empathy from their therapist, but even more so, they need empathy from each other. The chapter suggests that when couples are engaged in an argument, if they find themselves talking over each other or getting nowhere in an argument, to end the discussion until they are ready to be more empathetic and listen to their partner's ideas. It explores the assertiveness training skill that involves helping individuals to use both assertive requests and empathy to explain their point. Empathy is a habit like any other habit and requires conscious effort.
