Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Compassion in psychotherapy: the perspective of therapists nominated as compassionate
Barbara L Vivino1, Barbara J Thompson, Clara E Hill
1Independent Practice, Berkeley, CA 94707, USA. BVivino@aol.com
Abstract:
Fourteen therapists nominated by peers as compassionate defined compassion in psychotherapy as connecting with the client's suffering and promoting change through action. They indicated that compassion was broader and deeper than empathy, helps clients feel understood, and relieves symptoms. Although indicating that compassion was innate, therapists felt it could be further awakened. Factors facilitating compassion in therapy were therapists feeling clients' suffering, understanding client dynamics, identifying with and liking clients, client involvement, and a good therapy relationship. Hindering factors included clients being resistant, being aggressive, having serious pathology, or violating boundaries; therapists having interfering personal issues, feeling incompetent, or having negative reactions to or not liking clients; and a poor therapy relationship. A theory regarding compassion in psychotherapy is proposed.
Related Concept Videos
Psychodynamic Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
Psychotherapy
Empathy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
