Empathy
Growth in Empathic Understanding
Through coursework, supervision, and clinical practice, my understanding of empathy has expanded from emotional resonance to intentional perspective‑taking grounded in developmental theory. I have seen my growing ability to recognize that behaviors often labeled as “defiant,” “dishonest,” or “noncompliant” may reflect a client’s current moral reasoning capacity rather than resistance or lack of motivation.
By applying Kohlberg’s framework empathically, I am better able to validate client experiences, normalize developmental limitations, and respond with developmentally appropriate interventions. This shift has enhanced my therapeutic presence and strengthened rapport with clients across the lifespan.
Ethical and Professional Application
Empathy directly informs my ethical practice. This artifact demonstrates increased awareness of how my own values and moral reasoning could unintentionally influence clinical judgment. I now monitor countertransference more intentionally and ensure that interventions align with the client’s developmental level and cultural context rather than my personal beliefs.
This growth aligns with ethical principles related to client welfare, respect for autonomy, and cultural humility. Empathy serves as a protective factor against value imposition and supports ethical decision‑making in complex clinical situations.