After 30 years teaching empathy, I’ve discovered it’s more than feeling others’ pain. Learn the 3 types of empathy and how mastering them transforms relationships and personal growth.
The story
I’ve spent over 30 years helping people understand and develop their empathy skills, and here’s what I’ve learned: empathy isn’t just about feeling bad when others struggle. It’s about truly getting why people think and act the way they do.
Most people think empathy is purely emotional, but it’s more complex. You’ve got emotional empathy [feeling what others feel], compassionate empathy [wanting to help], and cognitive empathy [understanding their perspective]. That last one? That’s where the magic happens.
But here’s the thing – practical empathy isn’t just about others. It’s equally about you. Without balancing empathy and authenticity, you’ll either burn out from giving too much or come across as harsh in trying to be “honest.” Both miss the mark.
In my work, I’ve seen how empathy makes people feel truly seen and heard. It’s not about fixing everything – sometimes people just need space to process their feelings. That’s why I devoted Chapter 4 of my book “A Practical EmPath: Rewire Your Mind” to this topic.
If you’ve ever felt disconnected or misunderstood, or if you want to deepen your relationships, the practical empathy techniques in Chapter 4 can help. Because when you get empathy right, it changes everything – not just for others, but for you too.
Want to learn more? Check out Chapter 4 of “A Practical EmPath.” It’s where your journey to better connections begins.
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