Empathy
What Empathy Really Means in Therapy
More Than Kindness—It’s Presence
Empathy in counselling means listening with your whole self: your ears, your intuition, and your nervous system. It’s noticing not just what a client says, but how they say it—the pause before a word, the tension in their voice, the courage it took to speak at all.
Not Fixing—Just Holding Space
Many people come to counselling in Lincoln hoping to be “fixed.” But true empathy doesn’t rush to solve. Instead, it says: “I’m here. Your pain makes sense. You’re not alone.” This safety is where real change begins.
Empathy vs. Sympathy: A Crucial Difference
Sympathy Says “Poor You” — Empathy Says “I’m With You”
Sympathy creates distance (“That sounds awful—I’m so sorry for you”). Empathy creates connection (“That sounds incredibly hard—I’m right here with you”). In the counselling room, that difference changes everything.
The Therapist’s Role: Companion, Not Hero
An empathic counsellor doesn’t position themselves as the expert on your life. They walk beside you—curious, humble, and deeply human.
Experience Empathic Counselling in Lincoln
If you’ve ever felt rushed, judged, or “talked over” in therapy, you deserve a different experience. Here in Lincolnshire, empathic counselling offers a space where:
- Your pace is respected
- Your identity is affirmed
- Your story is heard—fully, patiently, and without agenda
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, or simply the weight of feeling “too much,” empathy is where healing begins.
❗ Important: Empathy is not the same as agreement—or emotional rescue.
A skilled empathic therapist in Lincoln will hold your pain with care without taking it on as their own. This boundary protects both of you—and keeps the focus on your growth, not their reaction. Healthy empathy includes clarity, limits, and professional integrity.
My Approach
Ethical, Accredited, and Client-Focused
I am a BACP and ISPC registered counsellor, ensuring professional standards and confidentiality. I work collaboratively with clients across Lincolnshire to build resilience, clarity, and emotional wellbeing—without judgment.
Important! In Crisis?
- Call Samaritans free, 24/7, on 116 123
- Text SHOUT to 85258 for immediate crisis support
- Visit samaritans.org for confidential listening
About Fiona Jane
Fiona offers integrative counselling and coaching for relationships, anxiety, depression and wellbeing—online and across Lincolnshire.
Empathy
Empathy – deeply understanding another’s feelings & perspective—validation and compassionate presence without judgment. With attunement, kindness, patience, and presence.
UPR
Unconditional positive regard means accepting and valuing a person wholly—without judgment, conditions, or expectation of change. With warmth, respect, consistency, and care.
Congruence
Congruence is the therapist’s genuine, authentic presence—being real, transparent, and aligned in words, feelings, and actions. With integrity, honesty, openness, and self-awareness.
Empathy FAQ's
Get the answers you need...
1. What is empathy in counselling?
1. What is empathy in counselling?
Empathy means deeply understanding your feelings and perspective—not judging, fixing, or comparing—but being fully present with you as you are.
2. Is empathy the same as sympathy?
2. Is empathy the same as sympathy?
No. Sympathy says, “I feel sorry for you.” Empathy says, “I’m with you.” Counselling in Lincoln uses empathy to build trust, not distance.
3. Can a therapist be too empathetic?
3. Can a therapist be too empathetic?
Healthy empathy includes clear boundaries. A skilled counsellor in Lincoln holds your pain with care—without taking it on or losing objectivity.
4. Why does empathy matter for neurodivergent clients?
4. Why does empathy matter for neurodivergent clients?
Many neurodivergent adults have been misunderstood or pathologised. Empathic counselling affirms your way of being—without pressure to mask or conform.
5. How do I know if my therapist is truly empathetic?
5. How do I know if my therapist is truly empathetic?
You’ll feel heard, not rushed. Your emotions will be validated—not minimised. And you’ll leave sessions feeling less alone, even when it’s hard.
Need something else answering?
Services Provided
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Explore your feelings in a safe, confidential space—gain clarity and healing
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