DO THEY KNOW YOU CARE?

An interactive workshop focusing on empathy in perinatal settings

WHAT IS EMPATHY?
What is empathy?

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WHAT IS EMPATHY?
Empathy: the capacity to understand another's perspective and mental state and to respond with appropriate emotions and actions Perspective Taking Removing Judgment Recognizing emotion in other people Communicating compassion for others in response to their suffering Empathy is feeling with people Dr. Brene Brown, Phd
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EMPATHY CONTINUUM

Extreme: I ALWAYS have empathy for my patients, parents, and co-workers Extreme: I NEVER have empathy for my patients, parents, co-workers -- and they recognize that. Place self on continuum

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RECOGNITION OF EMPATHY CONTINUUM

Extreme: My patients, parents, and co-workers ALWAYS recognize that I have empathy for them. Extreme: My patients, parents, and co-workers NEVER recognize that I have empathy for them. Place self on continuum

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WHY EMPATHY?
Expands our understanding of the world and human experience Increase human bonds, connections with other human beings Improve our relationships with our family, friends, and professional colleagues Improves patient satisfaction, and, it could be argued, health outcomes

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HOW DO WE COMMUNICATE EMPATHY?

How do we communicate/express empathy?

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STORY EXERCISE
Groups of 3 1 person tells story 1 person listens to story 1 person observes only the listener Storyteller: please tell a 1-2 minute story about a time that you experienced or observed a lack of empathy for another human being that negatively affected the provider-patient interaction Rotate roles Rotate roles
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STORY EXERCISE
When you observed the Listener: What did you notice? How do people listen?

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HOW DO WE COMMUNICATE EMPATHY?

How do we communicate/express empathy? Body language Eye contact Open posture Active Listening Empathic Statements Kindness
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ACTIVE LISTENING
What is active listening?

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ACTIVE LISTENING
Deep listening Focus solely on what the speaker is saying Keep an open mind/remove judgment Manage internal distractions Allow for silence. Be comfortable with silence. Echo back via paraphrase What I think you told me is this: It seems like your concern is this:
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ACTIVE LISTENING
What gets in the way of active listening?

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ACTIVE LISTENING
What gets in the way of active listening? Interrupt-itis Interrupting the speaker Anticipation-itis Constantly anticipating/planning what you are going to say next Unnecessary filling of the space-itis Not being comfortable with silence and instead filling the space for its own sake.

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EMPATHIC STATEMENTS
What are examples of empathic statements?

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EMPATHIC STATEMENTS
This must be a difficult time for you. I am sorry for what you are going through; I cannot tell you how sorry I am that this happened. I know youre angry. Help me understand why you are frustrated, and lets try to find some solutions to the problem

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NON-EMPATHIC STATEMENTS
What are examples of non-empathic statements?

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NON-EMPATHIC STATEMENTS
I know how you feel. These things happen. At least Im sorry you feel that way. Youre a tough person Im sure you can handle it You will just have to learn to adjust.

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6 HABITS OF EMPATHIC PEOPLE ROMAN KRZNARIC, PHD

1. Cultivate Curiosity about others Go beyond assumptions/stereotypes Seek out others beside those like you, ask questions, share stories 2. Challenge prejudices and discover commonalties Look for what you share with others not which divides you Example: CP Ellis from Durham, NC. Former leader of the KKK who rose above his prejudices to leave the KKK, become and ally with Ann Atwater, and develop into a civil rights activities and union leader

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6 HABITS OF EMPATHIC PEOPLE ROMAN KRZNARIC, PHD

3. Actively try to experience other peoples lives Put yourself in other peoples shoes 4. Practice the art of conversation Active Listening, Empathic Statements Share part of yourself and your own life. Make yourself a little vulnerable
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THANK YOU
Ben Saypol, PhD Director, Theater Delta ben@theaterdelta.com www.theaterdelta.com

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