Assertion (A): The special relationship between the client and the therapist is known as the therapeutic relationship or alliance.

Reason (R): Empathy is different from sympathy .

Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A

The correct answer is Option 2: Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A

Assertion (A): The special relationship between the client and the therapist is known as the therapeutic relationship or alliance. This is true. The therapeutic relationship or therapeutic alliance refers to the special, trusting bond between the client and the therapist, which is essential for successful therapy.
Reason (R): Empathy is different from sympathy .This is true.  Empathy (understanding another’s feelings without becoming personally involved) is indeed different from sympathy (feeling pity or sorrow for someone).

However, R does not explain A: While empathy is important for a good therapeutic relationship, simply stating the difference between empathy and sympathy does not directly explain what a therapeutic relationship is.