Psychology Unplugged Psychology of Empathy
Oct 26, 2025
Exploring the nuances of empathy, the discussion differentiates between empathy, sympathy, and rescuing behaviors. Dr. Nigra highlights Carl Rogers' approach to empathic attunement and delves into the brain networks that support our ability to empathize. The conversation touches on how empathy is learned in childhood and the impact of attachment styles. It also addresses the balance of empathizing without merging identities, the importance of boundaries, and how clinicians can develop psychological stamina to avoid burnout.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Empathy As Disciplined Presence
- Empathy is the disciplined act of entering another person's inner world without rewriting it as your own.
- True empathy requires staying present and not turning the other's experience into your story.
Carl Rogers' Mirroring Moment
- Carl Rogers matched a psychotic patient's fearful action instead of questioning it, which relieved the patient's anxiety.
- The patient then turned, walked away, and joined the group calmly.
Three Levels Of Empathic Capacity
- Empathy is a capacity with levels: affective feeling, cognitive understanding, and mature witnessing without absorption.
- Mature empathy lets you witness another's experience without erasing or absorbing it.