HOw to build empathy. 1) Stand in someone else’s shoes – If someone is triggering you, imagine what might be going on for that person. What was their childhood like? What was their day like? How is the world through their eyes? 2) Curiosity about Strangers – Empathic people are inquisitive about other people; they talk to people outside of their social circle and stay long enough to move beyond the small talk. 3) Listen – Really be present to what is going on for the other person, not just to what is being said, but to how they are feeling. Share with the other person, be open. 4) Learn something new – This creates humility and more understanding of what it feels like to struggle. 5) Join a cause – working for a cause often brings together a variety of people, as we get to know others who are different from us, they become more human. 6) Diversify your social media intake – To ensure you are consuming varied perspectives on different issues. These are all valid ways to build empathy.

Building Empathy

October 14, 2022 0 Comments

Many people either feel they have too much empathy or too little. When we have ‘too much empathy’, it is usually a boundary issue, not an empathy issue. For those people who feel they lack empathy, research has shown there are ways adults can increase their empathy. 

The most important of these, I feel, is the ability to listen and imagine what life is like for the other person. I do this a LOT in therapy. Many people don’t have anyone there to listen and be with them during difficult times. Often friends and family will try to fix an issue (not really listening) or run out of empathy around a topic. 

Maybe when you start to share something important to you that you are struggling with, your friends and family roll their eyes. This is a great time to see a professional. Someone with more perspective, who can listen with fresh ears and help you reframe some of the things happening in your world. 

It can be an incredible relief to have someone validate your experiences and stand at the bottom of the pit WITH you rather than sit on the edge rolling their eyes about the fact you are in the pit in the first place. 

If you want to cultivate your empathy, focus on developing curiosity in strangers, listening to what they are sharing and imagining what life might be like for them. One way to do this might be to start with movies. Choose a character and imagine what it would be like to live their life. For me, Oliver Twist is a great one, the thought of being hungry, cold and without parents sends a shiver down my spine. If I imagine meeting a real-life ‘Oliver Twist’, my compassion would motivate me to help him in any way I could.

Love, Jen

Reference

Miller, C. C

Malouff, J. 

CategoriesPsychotherapy
Tags, ,