In today’s post, Idoia Apaolaza will talk in detail about Empathy, how to develop it, and above all, how to act.
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Empathy is the ability to put oneself in another person’s “shoes”, to connect with their emotions and understand the emotional situation they are experiencing. This is why empathy is directly linked to emotions and the ability to understand previous personal experiences.
According to Goleman, D. (2011), thanks to empathy, a person is able to interpret what another person thinks without the need for words. In this context, it should be emphasized that communication has two aspects: on one hand, there is verbal communication (what is said with words), and on the other, gestural communication (body language, tone, tears). Both types of communication send signals to the receiver, who connects with the emotions of the sender.
The way one acts in a specific situation depends on each person. Each of us is unique, and our experiences are also unique. The empathetic person connects and shows their emotions, while, in the same situation, the non-empathetic person shows indifference. Moreover, the latter makes value judgments without considering the impact it may have on the other person.
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To develop empathy, it is key to first know one’s own emotions and personal experiences. Thus, if a person has gone through a situation similar to what another is experiencing, they will connect and better understand their situation. In this way, people who have previously gone through it will have greater motivation and involvement to help the other person. That said, empathy is directly linked to emotional bonding.
In our profession as therapists, educators, teachers, etc., where we work with people, children and adult populations, and with their respective families, empathy is key for intervention.
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As professionals, we must be able to connect with the emotions of the other person and their family, so it is our duty to ask the following questions before and during the intervention:
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- What is happening to them?
- How can I help them based on their emotional situation?
- What tactics will I implement?
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Showing interest and humility towards people and helping them will offer great doses of empathy, assertiveness, and motivation to accompany the other person in achieving the desired change. Actions such as judging, making value judgments, showing superiority, or downplaying the patient’s suffering and their family are completely ruled out.
We must bear in mind that the goal of any intervention is to seek the well-being of the patient and their family. At this point, it can be concluded that empathy is key for the intervention to be successful, and it is also very useful for establishing secure and trusting lines.
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