Empathy and magical thinking in the formation of the therapeutic alliance in psychologists and tarottists

Abstract

The aim of this study is to compare link of two types of therapeutic intervention with the empathy (cognitive and emotional) with the client and magical thinking (beliefs system) among clinical psychologists and tarot readers. Although both groups differ in terms of objectives, instruments and procedures, however, there is empirical evidence suggesting the tarot readings produce attitudinal, cognitive, emotional and existential changes, often positives, in their lives. Cognitive and affective empathy, therapeutic alliance, and paranormal beliefs with a survey of counseling styles and practices were given to a tarot readers and clinical psychologists. The results suggest that emotions and beliefs of clients consultants should not be an obstacle but a “bypass” to create a functional bridge to successful psychotherapy. Although no differences in the construction of the therapeutic alliance was found, however psychologists did not prioritize empathy with theirs clients. Higher cognitive/emotional empathy between tarotist/consultants may be more flexible than that established by the psychotherapist/clients.