Certified Specialist Programme in Empathy Building for Counselors
Published on June 27, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today we're joined by Dr. Jane Thompson, a seasoned counselor and the course director of the new Certified Specialist Programme in Empathy Building for Counselors. Dr. Thompson, it's great to have you here! GUEST: Thank you, I'm excited to be here and share more about this unique program. HOST: Could you tell us what inspired you to create this Empathy Building course for counselors? GUEST: Absolutely! In my years of practice, I've noticed that while many counselors have strong technical skills, they sometimes struggle with building deep emotional connections with their clients. This course aims to address that gap. HOST: That sounds crucial for providing effective counseling services. Are there any current trends in the industry that highlight the need for empathy building? GUEST: Yes, with the rise of virtual counseling, it's more important than ever to develop strong empathic connections quickly. Non-verbal cues can be missed, so counselors need to hone their listening and emotional intelligence skills to truly understand their clients' needs. HOST: I can imagine that would present new challenges. What are some common difficulties students face when learning empathy building techniques? GUEST: Some students find it challenging to be fully present and engaged during sessions, as it requires a high level of self-awareness and discipline. We incorporate mindfulness practices and role-playing exercises to help them overcome these hurdles. HOST: That's a great approach. Looking forward, where do you see the future of empathy building in counseling? GUEST: I believe empathy will become even more essential as technology continues to shape the way we deliver mental health services. By emphasizing empathy and emotional intelligence, we can ensure that counseling remains a deeply human and compassionate practice. HOST: Dr. Thompson, thank you for sharing your insights and for all the work you're doing to elevate counseling practices. To our listeners, learn more about the Certified Specialist Programme in Empathy Building for Counselors at [website]. Until next time!
