[Fatima Asim]

Thank you Haniah for sharing important insights regarding compassion in a therapeutic setting.
• Whenever a client comes in a vulnerable state and finds it hard to open up, genuine compassion helps build a good rapport. The client feels valued and understood. When they feel that they are not being judged and are supported, this strengthens the therapeutic alliance. They feel validated and supported in their struggles, which fosters a sense of hope and motivation to bring change.
• The therapist can connect with the clients at a deeper level which helps in providing the interventions accordingly.
• The therapist should practice stepping inside the client’s shoes and visualize their emotions, feelings, and experiences, which can lead to a deepened understanding and emotional connection.
• The therapist should train to listen to the clients without interrupting them or forming any judgments.
• When a therapist himself practices compassion, he becomes aware of his limits and by practicing self-care, burnout can be prevented.
• Compassion can be cultivated in therapists by practicing mindfulness. It can include meditations focusing on self-compassion, where our challenges can be acknowledged without self-judgment.
• He should focus on his physical health including regular sleep and meals, exercise, and relaxation; emotional health including practicing emotional awareness, and seeking support when needed; mental health including mindfulness and meditation, avoiding overwork, engaging in favorite activities such as gardening, painting, sketching, or writing, and limiting exposure to social media and technology; spiritual health including spending time in nature, connecting with God, regular religious practices and prayers, and practicing gratitude; social and professional health including maintenance of healthy relationships, setting boundaries, spending Me time to recharge, taking breaks between work, and engaging in workshops and trainings to develop and grow professionally.