What is Empathy?

What is Empathy?

There are many definitions of empathy used in the social sciences. EmpathyWorks® believes that empathy is a two-way communication process and we use the following definition.

  • Empathy is a natural process consisting of both feeling and cognitive elements. We are born with a neurobiology that allows us to feel the other’s feelings “as if” they are our own. As we mature, this natural ability is augmented by the cognitive aspects of empathy, which allow us to take the other’s perspective with awareness of both “self and other.”
  • Cognitive empathy begins with our desire to accurately tune into another person’s thoughts, feelings, and inner experience. When we communicate our guess about what the other is feeling in a way that they feel safe, seen, and understood and then the recipient acknowledges that we really “got them,” the two-way communication process is complete and creates what we refer to as “empathic flow” and the WE Space® .

How to Create the WE Space

Discover how to be more empathic by exploring the Empathy Roadmap to the WESpace our easy-to-grasp, step-by-step empathy-skills training program. This online course integrates theoretical and experiential learning in a transformational learning process. You will…

  • Develop a deeper understanding of what empathy is, how it works and how to enhance your emotional intelligence & natural empathic ability
  • Understand how relationships work on a cognitive, intuitive, and feeling level.
  • Create more positive relationships and productive outcomes in both professional and personal relationships.

The course is presented in 3 Modules that provide an in-depth theoretical and organic learning process. You can stop, start, and replay the lessons at any time. Choose your Certificate Program, create an Account and join us on a stimulating & transformative journey!

CEU Certificate worth 6 CEs for New York State LCSWs, LMSWs, LMFTs & LMHCs co-sponsored by Village Counseling PLLC

Village Counseling and Licensed Clinical Social Work Services, PLLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0604, and by the New York State Education Department’s Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0096, and licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0218.