Cathleen Balfour

Empathy vs. Sympathy

In today’s world, it is important not to get corded into the fear of what is happening outside of you. Understanding the distinctions between empathy and sympathy can help you live in a healthy way–no matter what is happening around you.

Empathy vs. Sympathy
Empathy is different from sympathy: empathy involves listening, while sympathy involves reacting. When empathizing with others, we understand their feelings without getting involved with them. On the other hand, when we sympathize with others, we identify with their feelings to the point that we take on their pain. We are not meant to suffer when others do; their pain can aid their growth. We are meant to be there for others in a loving and supportive way by listening with our heart–not our pain. The empathetic person asks questions; the sympathetic person may offer advice and solutions rather than allow others to come to their own realizations. The true gift we can give to others is a chance to express themselves and to reach their own conclusions, not ours.

During this workshop, Cathleen will teach you to communicate using empathy, which will allow you to listen effectively and create harmony with the people in your personal and professional lives. By thoroughly understanding and applying the techniques of empathetic communication, you can avoid or resolve conflicts, thereby creating healthy, satisfying relationships. Empathetic communication assists in nurturing clarity, creating productivity, and being effective in our lives.

Here are some of the benefits of this workshop:

  • You will learn how to speak so others will want to listen
  • Learn how listen so other will want to share
  • You will learn how to keep focused on your topic and people will want to hear your message
  • You will feel empowered

Cathleen will focus on 3 different facets of empathetic communication:

  1. Listening without communication
  2. Empowering Others
  3. Seeing another’s perspective

Benefits of empathetic communication:

1. Speaking/communication will improve

2. Interacting through empathy will enhance your private as well as your professional life

3. Encourages Heathy Relationships

Workshop Highlights include:

  • Comparison of Empathy and Sympathy
  • The Art of Listening
  • Mirroring and the Art of Listening
  • The Dialogue Process
  • Practicing Empathetic Communication

Empathy and Sympathy are different…
Empathy = Empowering      Sympathy = Enabling

I am interested.

How do I sign up?

Cathleen can customize this or any of her workshops to meet your needs and interests. If you would like t organize a workshop in your city or town, please contact her at: cathleen@cathleenlbalfour.com or call 509-467-3060