Empathy, Feeling With People
Empathy is a skill that must be learned and cultivated. Often times we see that empathy does not come easy for everyone, especially those who have unprocessed trauma in their lives. So what is empathy and how can we use empathy more?
Dr. Brené Brown speaks on the topic of empathy and gets real in explaining that empathy is often accompanied by vulnerability. When you choose empathy, you choose to recall emotions that are uncomfortable to feel again like anger and frustration as you take perspective with another person. The important thing to remember is that you are meeting someone where they are and connecting with them in their hurt and pain. Watch this video from Dr. Brené Brown as she explains what is empathy and ask yourself if you have ever been in place where you could have met someone with empathy, rather than disengaging from the conversation:
Here are four steps to using empathy:
Perspective Taking-This is about putting yourself in their shoes. What would it be like to be in their situation?
Listening rather than judging.
Identifying emotion in another person that you have maybe felt before, like anger or sadness.
Communicating that you can recognize that emotion by saying i.e, “I see how hard this must be for you.”
Empathy is hard but it is a reminder that we are not alone. Judgment exacerbates shame but empathy acknowledges another’s pain. We work with you at Heritage Counseling Center to cultivate the skill of empathy and begin the process of reconnecting with your emotions. You can move out of shame towards a life of freedom.
If you are interested in learning more about the ways you can heal from trauma, we are here to help. We serve Louisiana virtually and in-person in our Lafayette office. Reach out to us today. We are here for you.