Good morning,

I can remember very distinctly being a 6th grader (age 12) when Mrs. Poppish used the word "empathy" in class and I raised my hand and corrected her: "Don't you mean sympathy?"

She said, "No" and then helped me to understand the difference between empathy and sympathy.

It is a very important distinction, especially when it comes to helping others.

I love the fact that most of my clients are empathetic. I think it requires emotional intelligence to be able to understand and feel what someone else is feeling.

As useful as empathy is, it can also be a bit of burden. There is an emotional toll for experiencing what other people are emoting.

In this week's podcast I have discussion on when we should be empathetic versus being sympathetic. I also cover what you can do to keep yourself healthy when being empathetic.

Listen here: http://tappingqanda.com/?p=10376

I think that this is a bit of an unconventional take on this subject so I would love to hear you you think.

As always, let me know how I can be helpful by replying to this note.

Blessings,

Gene

The Problem With Empathy - It is a good and healthy experience to be empathetic, but being empathetic isn't always the most useful or helpful response. In this week's podcast we explore empathy and when it is the best response.