Kristi Gaultiere - Why Empathy Is the Missing Piece in Personal & Spiritual Growth

In this episode of The In-Between, Evan sits down with Kristi Gaultiere—a licensed family therapist, co-founder of Soul Shepherding, and author of Deeply Loved—to explore how empathy plays a transformative role in emotional health, spiritual growth, and meaningful relationships.With 30+ years of counseling and ministry experience, Kristi opens up about the emotional barriers leaders face during seasons of transition: self-judgment, shame, isolation, and the temptation to "be strong" by suppressing real emotions.Drawing from her new book and personal experiences, Kristi shares how Jesus's empathy offers a healing presence for anyone navigating grief, uncertainty, or change.This conversation is for anyone who’s felt emotionally disconnected, judged their own struggles, or longed for safe places of spiritual and emotional care.Takeaways:👉 Why empathy is "oxygen for the soul"👉 How childhood experiences shape our emotional responses in adulthood👉 The difference between self-empathy and self-pity👉 Why vulnerability is a gateway to intimacy, not weakness👉 What Jesus's "in-between" years can teach us about waiting well👉 How empathy from others can awaken hidden emotions and bring healing👉 Why emotional awareness is a vital part of spiritual growth👉 How empathy leads to transformation, not fragilization👉 The "Four A's of Empathy" and how to practice them dailyThis Episode Is for You If...You're in a season of transition and feel emotionally disorientedYou’ve been told to "just be strong" or to ignore your emotionsYou secretly wonder if your feelings are signs of spiritual failureYou desire deeper connection in relationships but feel stuckYou want to experience Jesus's empathy in a personal and transformative way📝 Show Notes: https://itstheinbetween.com/episode29-kristi-gualtiere/