Lesson 1.4 — Empathy Without a Script
Empathy is not a phrase. RCGP specifically cautions against false empathy: generic or overused expressions that do not fit the patient’s story. The safest rule is to respond to the emotion or burden you have actually heard.
Hear the emotion or burden. Name or acknowledge it in ordinary language. Explore what it means for this patient.
| Patient | Natural response |
|---|---|
| “I haven’t slept since my husband died.” | “It sounds as though things have been very difficult since you lost him. How have you been coping?” |
| “I’m terrified this is cancer.” | “I can see why cancer is on your mind. What in particular has made you worry about that?” |
| “I’m exhausted looking after Mum.” | “It sounds like you’re carrying a lot. Who is supporting you at the moment?” |
Silence can also be empathic. You do not need to fill every emotional pause with words.