The role of empathy in promoting emotional closeness between two individuals has been well established. It is a significant component of various forms of individual psychotherapy and has also been recognized as important to promoting growth in parent-child, teacher-student, manager-staff, and other relationships. The authors have incorporated this conceptualization of empathy into a couple-centered approach to relationship difficulties. Reciprocal empathy promotes emotional disclosure, which leads to increased intimacy and an affectionate bond between partners.
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