A six-week loving-kindness meditation program improved dimensions of empathy among 103 master's-level counseling students. More time spent meditating was linked to greater perspective taking. The findings suggest that structured meditation can enhance empathic abilities in future counselors.
Loving-kindness meditation (LKM) builds caring and connection by combining present-moment awareness with directing kind feelings toward oneself and others. It enhances attention, acceptance, and self-regulation while emphasizing self-care and interconnectedness. The article argues that LKM is well-suited for counseling to help clients develop healthier relationships with themselves and others.