Empathy is the ability to understand another person's emotions and feelings by imagining oneself in their situation. To practice empathy, one should listen attentively without interrupting, reflect back their understanding, and avoid changing topics or discounting the other's feelings. Developing empathetic listening skills builds trust, reduces tension, clarifies thoughts, and leads to long-lasting relationships by allowing emotional release for the speaker.

1. EMPATHY

2. Empathy… Alvin Goldman: The ability to put oneself into the mental shoes of another person to understand her/his emotions and feelings .

3. Specific things to DO: Be attentive Be interested Be alert Indicate you are listening Reflect your understanding back to the speaker

4. Specific things to A void DON’T : Change the subject Discount the speakers’ feelings Interrupt Give advice

5. Benefits of Empathetic Listening: Builds trust and respect Allows for emotional release Reduces tensions Helps clarify thoughts Long lasting relationships

6. What is Empathy? How will it help me? Who are the people who are most empathetic to me? Who are the people with whom I need to be empathetic?