(Nerdrum+ 2002)

Title: The Trainees’ Perspective. A Qualitative Study of Learning Empathic Communication in Norway

DOI or Website Link:

Publication: The Counseling Psychologist July 2002 30:609-629,

Authors:

Per Nerdrum
Michael Helge Rønnestad

Date: July 2002

Affiliation(s):

Oslo University College, per.nerdrum@oks.hio.no
University of Oslo

Citation:

Nerdrum, Per; Rønnestad, Michael H. (2002): The Trainees’ Perspective. A Qualitative Study of Learning Empathic Communication in Norway. In: The Counseling Psychologist 30 (4), S. 609-629.

Abstract:

Few empirical studies have inquired into the process of learning therapeutic skills or have focused on the interaction between trainees and trainers from the trainees’ perspective. We implemented a qualitative study focusing on the experiences of Norwegian therapists’ participation in an empathy training program. The aim of the study was to better understand the trainees’ conception of the learning process. The trainers’ use of an individualized, noncritical, and empathic orientation toward the trainees was reported as important for learning. The trainees reported much strain and considerable challenge when trying to change their therapeutic style. The results are discussed in relation to pedagogical principles of empathy training.

Topic Area:

Empathy training for future therapists

Definition:

(How was empathy defined?)

Benefits:

(Were any benefits of empathy mentioned?)

Methods:

(What were the methods used to train empathy?)

Target Group:

(Who participated in this study / training?)

Measurements:

(About the assessment: How was the change in empathy measured before/after the intervention/method?)