Empathy vs. Sympathy: Why "Fixing It" Is Disconnecting Your Relationship

Empathy is the glue of connection — but most of us are accidentally offering something else entirely. In this episode, Jason Wilcox, LCSW, and Dr. Thaen Saelee, licensed clinical psychologist, break down the real difference between empathy, sympathy, and compassion, and why well-meaning "fix-it" responses often leave our partners feeling unseen and invalidated.They cover the hidden barriers that block empathy (including negative core beliefs and societal conditioning), the practical skills that build it — curiosity and complex reflections — and why "I'm just too empathic" usually means you've crossed the line into enabling. Plus: empathy with accountability, how to ask for what you need when you're the one hurting, and the power of simply sitting with someone in the dark.If you've ever felt disconnected from your partner, or been told "you just don't get it," this episode is for you.Find our couples course at avidcounseling.org, and reach out with topics you'd like us to cover.