Even in the toughest moments, healing with empathy can open a door.
Recently, I counseled a client to try healing with empathy. For confidentiality, I won’t go into details, only to say that she wanted to repair a badly broken relationship. It wasn’t her fault. The whole situation was difficult and messy, involving trauma, addiction, blaming, half-truths, and bald-faced lies. It was not going to be easy, and she understood that, but it was her best shot if there was ever a chance of a more positive foot forward. Family is family. Whatever the problems, it was worth a shot.
She went to meet them face to face, which took some courage. It became a 3-hour conversation. She kept her voice low and did her best to understand what the other person understood. She didn’t agree. She didn’t judge. She heard him out, and that in itself, is healing.
Before, trauma had broken the relationship. Now, the door cracked open. I’m grateful she tried empathy. Perhaps in the future, the healing powers of her efforts will bloom and love will grow.
This post is part of my Gratitude Project 2025: The Magic of Empathy — a 30-day exploration of empathy and gratitude. Visit the hub to follow along or catch up on past reflections.
If you’d like to explore the science behind gratitude, visit the Greater Good Science Center’s Gratitude Resources.
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