The nurse understands that empathy is essential to the therapeutic relationship. When a client makes the statement, "I am just devastated that my marriage is falling apart," the nurse can best show empathy through which of the following responses?

A. Sharing personal experiences shifts the focus from the client to the nurse and is not therapeutic. B. Offering reassurance such as “It will get better” minimizes the client’s feelings and may block expression. C. “You feel like your world is falling apart right now” reflects the client’s feelings back, showing understanding and empathy while encouraging further expression. D. Saying “I feel so bad” expresses sympathy rather than empathy, focusing on the nurse’s feelings instead of validating the client’s experience.