Quote:
Originally Posted by nynor
to answer this question in a word, no. no sympathy. empathy, yes. sympathy, no. sympathy twists the relationship in an unhealthy way. empathy allows for compassion of their suffering, but also allows the other person to be responsible for their actions.
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So you have an identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and motives (definition of empathy), but no feeling or an expression of pity or sorrow for the distress of that person; no compassion or commiseration (definition of sympathy)?
If that's the case, I think you have no business "working with the mentally ill", and suspect that your employer, if a certified mental health professional, would agree if they were aware of your perspective.