Certified Peer Specialist TRAINING COURSE

• Everything will be okay. • This will work out. 9. Sympathizing : feeling pity or sorrow for people • I am so sorry to hear this. • I am sad about your situation. • Well, at least it is not as bad as _________. 10. Distracting : using humor, changing the subject, or withdrawing

• That reminds me of this joke… • Let’s talk about something else.

It is not to say that these responses are wrong. Indeed, there are times, situations, and circumstances in which some of these responses may be necessary or appropriate. The point is these responses are not listening . Sometimes empathy is confused with sympathy. Empathy is a way of being with people that is nonjudgmental, accepting, and curious about another’s feelings, perspectives, and experiences. Sympathy is our feeling pity and sorrow for another's misfortune. Sympathy usually comes from a place of care or concern. However, expressing sympathy is a roadblock to listening. VIDEO: “Empathy” - Dr. Brené Brown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw&t After watching the video, answer the following questions. • What stood out for you in the video? • How does sympathy present a roadblock to listening and understanding another’s feelings, perspectives, or experiences?

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