Embracing the Challenge of Compassion
Keywords:
Compassion, empathy, integrative psychotherapy, spiritual practice, relational needsAbstract
The terms empathy and compassion are often used interchangeably when, in fact, they represent and reflect different ways of expressing care for ourselves and others. Empathy calls us to actively engage in and be impacted by the emotional experience of another. Compassion prompts us to act on behalf of those who are in distress, in measurable and actionable ways. This article, based on a closing keynote speech delivered at the 12th Biennial Conference of the International Integrative Psychotherapy Association, explores the relationship between compassion, spirituality, and the practice of developmentally based, relationally focused integrative psychotherapy.
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