How is empathy utilized in psychoanalysis according to Kohut?

Empathy in psychoanalysis, particularly according to Heinz Kohut, is primarily utilized by being empathic with the patient's self-image. Kohut emphasized the importance of understanding the patient's experiences and feelings to foster a healing therapeutic relationship. In this context, empathy serves as a crucial tool for the therapist to connect with the patient’s inner world, particularly their sense of self and how they perceive themselves. By attuning to the patient's self-image, the therapist can help the individual explore and navigate their emotions, ultimately aiding in their healing process.

Kohut believed that when therapists respond empathetically to their patients, they validate the patient's feelings and experiences, which is essential for the development of a cohesive sense of self. This empathetic engagement helps patients feel understood, which is critical for their psychological growth and can lead to a deeper self-exploration and integration of their experiences.

Other approaches mentioned, such as focusing on the therapist's feelings or correcting misconceptions, do not align with Kohut's emphasis on empathy. The promotion of independent thought may be beneficial in therapy but is not the main focus under Kohut's framework. Thus, the correct answer reflects Kohut's primary understanding of empathy as a means to support and validate the patient's self-image within the therapeutic