When Empathy Goes Too Far: The Shadow Side of Feeling With episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 29, 2025 · 1H 10M

When Empathy Goes Too Far: The Shadow Side of Feeling With

from After the Session: Two Therapists Telling It Like It Is · host Dwain and John

In this episode of After the Session, we explore the tangled roles of sympathy, empathy, and compassion. While empathy can be a gift, we uncover how it can also hinder growth when it turns toxic—blurring boundaries, enabling dysfunction, or keeping people stuck. Together, we ask: What’s the difference between feeling with and walking wisely beside? And how do we cultivate compassion that empowers rather than entangles? It’s a deeper dive into discernment, emotion, and true care.

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When Empathy Goes Too Far: The Shadow Side of Feeling With

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How long is this episode of After the Session: Two Therapists Telling It Like It Is?

This episode is 1 hour and 10 minutes long.

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This episode was published on June 29, 2025.

What is this episode about?

In this episode of After the Session, we explore the tangled roles of sympathy, empathy, and compassion. While empathy can be a gift, we uncover how it can also hinder growth when it turns toxic—blurring boundaries, enabling dysfunction, or keeping...

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