Panel 26: What is the Relationship Between Self-Empathy, Empathy,
Self-Compassion & Compassion?

In this panel discussion, Kristin Neff, Christopher Germer and Edwin Rutsch discuss the question,
What is the Relationship Between Self-Empathy, Empathy, Self-Compassion & Compassion?  There is a great deal of confusion about the meanings and definitions of self-empathy, empathy, self-compassion & compassion. We might be talking about the same experience, but are using different words, or are talking about different experiences and are using the same word, etc.

Parable of the Good Samaritan - G. Conti (Wikipedia)

There is a great deal of confusion about the meanings and
definitions of self-empathy, empathy, self-compassion
& compassion. We might be talking about the same

experience, but are using different words.
 

Some people, for instance, say there is compassion fatigue. Recently some in the compassion community have been saying it's really empathy fatigue. Kristin feels personal distress may be a more accurate term. Edwin feels there is no such thing as compassion or empathy fatigue, it is really more accurately described as empathy and compassion deficit fatigue. Join us for a wide ranging dialog about this and more with leaders in the field of empathy and compassion.

Kristin Neff is Associate Professor in Human Development and Culture, Educational Psychology Department, University of Texas at Austin. Kristin is author of Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind.

Christopher Germer is a clinical psychologist in private practice, specializing in mindfulness and acceptance-based treatment.  He is a clinical instructor in psychology at Harvard Medical School and a founding faculty member of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. Chris is author of The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion: Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions

Edwin Rutsch is founding director of The Center for Building a Culture of Empathy. The center is a portal for resources and information about the values of empathy and compassion.
 

Video: The Relationship Between Self-Empathy, Empathy, Self-Compassion & Compassion?

Sub Conferences: Science and Self-Empathy