Making Conscious Identifications: A Means of Promoting Empathic Contact

Abstract

A rationale for encouraging the development of empathic skills is discussed, along with the current status of such training in medical education. The concept of empathy and previous approaches to empathy training are discussed briefly. A technique, which I have called “conscious identification”, is described. In essence it involves an attempt by the trainee to “put himself in the patient's position” and to write an account in the first person of what he perceives of the patient's experience. The technique is illustrated using three case studies. Possible applications are discussed as well as the limitations of the technique.