ABSTRACT
Empathy and sympathy are often used synonymously, and much confusion seems to surround understanding the difference between these two terms. One of the main reasons for this confusion may stem from the fact that different dictionaries define these two terms differently. The definitions seem to vary depending on what country the dictionary is from, and whether or not it’s a medical definition versus a cultural definition, American versus British definition. Most theories of resistance in psychology or counseling conceptualize resistance of a client as an unwillingness to grow or change their behavior in therapy, or an unwillingness to receive input from the therapist. Building a strong therapeutic alliance with couples can feel especially challenging for therapists. Sometimes one partner comes in completely open and vulnerable and ready for change while the other is dug in, “resistant,” and blameful. Some therapists can fall into the trap of being able to empathize with one partner and get caught pathologizing or judging other.
