A psychologist with a focus on psychotherapy, Uzi Ben-Ami, Ph.D., has operated his own practice in Rockville, Maryland, since 1993. Beyond his professional activities, Uzi Ben-Ami, Ph.D., is an avid reader. He counts Howard Norman, Erich Fromm, Viktor Frankl, and the novelist Anne Tyler among his favorite authors.

1. UNDERSTANDING HOW
READINGTEACHES EMPATHY
Uzi Ben-Ami, Ph.D.

2. Introduction
• A psychologist with a focus on psychotherapy, Uzi Ben-Ami, Ph.D., has
operated his own practice in Rockville, Maryland, since 1993. Beyond his
professional activities, Uzi Ben-Ami, Ph.D., is an avid reader. He counts Howard
Norman, Erich Fromm,Viktor Frankl, and the novelist AnneTyler among his
favorite authors.
Reading is directly connected to literacy and the ability to use language;
beyond this clear benefit, studies show that it trains us to handle emotions,
both our own and those of others. Research suggests that reading fiction
actually tricks a person into thinking he or she is part of the story. As a result,
the reader feels empathy--that is, he or she relates to how the characters think
and feel, an experience that takes place on a neurological level.
A person capable of empathy has a core life skill, one that will help him or her
develop better relationships and excel in group settings.Today, empathy is
increasingly viewed as key to tackling global challenges. Parents seeking to
develop their children's empathic skills should help them to connect with high-
quality books and learn a vocabulary for feelings.