Stories come from unknown depths. They seem so ordinary yet reveal what it means to be human and divine all at once. This book's stories are connected by the central idea that empathy is a constellation of qualities rather than a single state.
Each part of the book is intended to stand alone, inviting the reader on a journey, with no more than curiosity to guide them.
An unconventional look at Empathy
Empathy's complex tenderness is revealed through personal stories, therapy and art.
A lot has been written about empathy, from the neuroscientific view that it’s just mirror neurons or the academic view that it is core condition of successful therapy or for aspiring therapists it is a must have core communication competence.
Of course it is all of that, but this book provides us with something different. It offers us the gift of another way to explore and reflect about empathy. In particular, filled with unique, personal stories, it encourages us to get beneath the words and use our senses to imagine the marvel and complexity of empathy. For me it helped bring empathy alive.
Steve Harvey - Psychotherapist
"the stories of your journey as a therapist/supervisor, that was a gift. It felt like reading a testament to young practitioners but, equally, one that stands as a case study of the self"
Braden Siemens
Empathy is inspired by our curiosity, our sense of wonder, our need to understand what makes us who and what we are.
Availability
Eric Taylor
I don't have a single professional modality. Theories are useful as a source but experts are sometimes preoccupied with being right.
I try to get out of the way so that what needs to be heard gets heard and what needs to be said gets said.
Jung (1928) suggests:
Learn your theories as well as you can, but put them aside when you touch the miracle of the living soul.
Not theories but your own creative individuality alone must decide.