{"id":851,"date":"2019-12-12T07:36:18","date_gmt":"2019-12-12T07:36:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kbailey.cmtwclients.com\/?p=851"},"modified":"2021-10-26T19:15:31","modified_gmt":"2021-10-26T19:15:31","slug":"ways-to-boost-empathy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/limetreecounseling.com\/ways-to-boost-empathy\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways to Boost Your Empathy"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Katie Bailey, MA, LPC<\/a><\/p>\n

Empathy is the ability to understand and share in another person\u2019s emotions. We all need healthy connections to other people \u2013 and empathy is an essential element of a healthy relationship. Empathy helps us respond well in various situations and having insight into another\u2019s experience helps us choose our own appropriate behaviors. For example, when I try to give my child a hug when she is tired and cranky, she prefers to be left alone. She tells me, \u201cNo hugs now, Mommy.\u201d My empathy kicks in, and I understand that there are times I don\u2019t want hugs either and that\u2019s okay. She\u2019s not rejecting me; it\u2019s not personal. My empathy allows me to say, \u201cOkay, honey, I get it. No worries.\u201d This also strengthens our relationship.<\/p>\n

Can you have too much empathy?<\/h2>\n

Absolutely, there is such a thing as too much empathy. Our understanding of other\u2019s feelings must be tempered with boundaries. We are not responsible for how other people feel; it\u2019s not our job to keep everyone else happy. Like most traits, empathy is a continuum. For some people it comes easier than others.<\/p>\n

Why do some people lack empathy?<\/h3>\n

When we are born, our brains are wired certain ways. Some of us are naturally more empathetic than others. Also, how well we can relate to others\u2019 feelings comes from our life experiences. People that grew up in a family that didn\u2019t ever talk about their emotions probably have a harder time having empathy as an adult. Traumatic experiences can stunt our empathetic response as well. Someone who has had an overwhelming experience and is numb to their own feelings will not be able to relate to other people\u2019s feelings very well either.<\/p>\n

Can empathy be learned?<\/h3>\n

Our brains are beautifully created, and indeed, with practice, we can learn new skills, even social and emotional skills like empathy. Here are some practical ways to boost your understanding of others:<\/p>\n