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Scientific studies of the clinical impact of empathy have mushroomed over the past decade. The neurosciences have been linking the brain to social behaviors. For many, empathic listening to the trauma stories of torture survivors is seen as being at the heart of therapy. This webinar presents a brief overview of the history and science of empathy. The discovery of the biological basis of empathy "the mirror neurons” will be discussed. A new model of empathic reflection for daily practice in the clinical setting called the Wheel of Empathy will be presented. Overcoming major barriers to achieving empathic therapist-patient/client clinical relationships will be addressed as well as understanding how too much or too little empathy may lead to "burn out". A self-care protocol will be offered. 

Objectives

Staff of all disciplines are encouraged to attend. By the conclusion of the webinar, participants will…

1. Have a greater understanding of key aspects of the science of empathy
2. Have a greater understanding of the connection between empathy and "burnout "
3. Be able to apply the new Wheel of Empathy to empathic reflection and regulation in the therapeutic relationship.

Resources and References

Articles:

• Dimascio, A., Boyd, R. W., & Greenblatt, M. (1957). Physiological correlates of tension and antagonism during psychotherapy: A study of "interpersonal physiology." Psychosomatic Medicine, 19, 99-104.  Abstract available at:http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00006842-195703000-00002
• Jackson SW, (1992 Dec) The listening healer in the history of psychological healing,  American Journal of Psychiatry,  149(12): 1623-32. 
• Kalmoe MC, Chapman MB, Gold JA, Giedinghagen AM, (2019 May) Physician Suicide: A Call to Action. Missouri Medicine, 116(3):211-216.  Article available here:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6690303/

Books:

• Levi, P. (1961) Survival in Auschwitz. New York, NY: Collier Books

Websites:

• Mayo Clinic Diseases and Conditions website.  Enter “burnout” as a search term https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions
• Sage Institute, Taos, NM (Sean Murphy) https://www.sagetaos.com/
• Zen Peacemakers (Bernie Glassman)  https://zenpeacemakers.org/bernie-glassman/

The banner image is a derivative of J.M.'s original work "Communication" and is used under CC BY. The derivative was done by Sara Bracewell.