ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at how the presence or absence of empathy in the therapist impacts the therapeutic dyad. "Being empathic" is frequently thought of as a state the therapist "naturally" inhabits. Empathy is considered to be a backdrop, a context in which therapy happens. Relational psychoanalysts modelled their understanding of the therapeutic relationship on the caregiver-infant relationship. The chapter proposes that empathy, as advocated by Carl Rogers, has a significant role to play within a relational psychoanalytic context, in the form of empathic moments. During these moments the therapist's self is momentarily suspended in order to create a space for that deep listening process which is at the forefront of therapeutic change. The chapter provides a brief historical overview of the concept of empathy and shows the importance of empathy as an essential element in deep communication processes with the client.
