The Verywell Mind Podcast: Navigating Empathetic Communication During Difficult Times with Dr. Kelsey Crowe

Episode Overview:

In this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, host Amy Morin engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Kelsey Crowe, author of "There Is No Good Card for This," to explore the nuances of empathetic communication during challenging times. They delve into the complexities of expressing support and understanding when someone is going through a difficult situation.

Key Points:

• Empathy and Sympathy: Dr. Crowe clarifies the distinction between empathy and sympathy, emphasizing the significance of seeing the world through another person's perspective to truly understand their experiences. Empathy involves actively trying to comprehend their emotions, while sympathy is more focused on feeling pity or sorrow for them.

• Empathetic Responses: Dr. Crowe highlights some helpful empathetic responses that can provide comfort and support to individuals facing challenges. These include expressing genuine concern, acknowledging their pain, and validating their feelings. Phrases like "I'm so sorry you're going through this" and "I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you" convey understanding and empathy.

• Avoid Dismissive Phrases: Dr. Crowe cautions against using dismissive or minimizing phrases that can unintentionally invalidate or disregard someone's experience. Statements like "At least it's not worse" or "You'll get over it" can be hurtful and undermine the person's feelings.

• Active Listening: Recognizing the power of active listening, Dr. Crowe suggests creating a supportive space where the individual can freely express their emotions without judgment or interruption. Simply being present for them can be immensely comforting during their time of need.

• Adapting to Individual Needs: Dr. Crowe stresses the importance of personalizing the approach to supporting individuals based on their unique preferences and circumstances. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and understanding the person's needs and adapting the communication style accordingly is crucial.

• Seeking Professional Help: Dr. Crowe acknowledges that supporting someone going through a difficult time can be emotionally taxing, and seeking help from a mental health professional can be beneficial. Seeking support from therapists, counselors, or support groups can provide guidance and resources to effectively navigate challenging situations.

Episode Transcript:

Amy Morin:

Welcome to The Verywell Mind Podcast, where we take an in-depth look at mental health topics. I'm your host, Amy Morin, licensed clinical social worker and licensed psychotherapist. Today, we're joined by Dr. Kelsey Crowe, author of "There Is No Good Card for This," a book that explores how to communicate with someone going through a difficult time. Kelsey, thanks for joining us.

Kelsey Crowe:

Thanks so much for having me, Amy.

Amy Morin:

So, let's start by talking about empathy. What exactly is empathy, and how does it differ from sympathy?

Kelsey Crowe:

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It's about putting yourself in their shoes and trying to see the world from their perspective. Sympathy, on the other hand, is more about feeling sorry for someone or feeling bad for their situation.

Amy Morin:

And why is empathy so important when someone is going through a difficult time?

Kelsey Crowe:

Empathy is crucial because it allows us to connect with the person on a deeper level. When we empathize with someone, we're showing them that we understand what they're going through and that we're there for them. This can be incredibly comforting and supportive for someone who is feeling alone or overwhelmed.

Amy Morin:

What are some empathetic responses that we can give to someone who is struggling?

Kelsey Crowe:

Some empathetic responses include:

• "I'm so sorry you're going through this."
• "I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you."
• "I'm here for you if you need anything."
• "What can I do to help?"

Amy Morin:

And what are some things we should avoid saying?

Kelsey Crowe:

There are a few things we should avoid saying when someone is going through a difficult time. These include:

• "At least it's not worse."
• "You'll get over it."
• "Just be positive."
• "I know exactly how you feel."

Amy Morin:

Those can be really hurtful, even if they're meant to be helpful.

Kelsey Crowe:

Exactly. It's important to remember that everyone experiences grief and difficulty differently, and what works for one person might not work for another.

Amy Morin:

What if we're not sure what to say?

Kelsey Crowe:

If you're not sure what to say, it's always better to say something simple and genuine than to say nothing at all. Even just saying "I'm here for you" can make a big difference.

Amy Morin:

And what if we're struggling to support someone who's going through a difficult time?

Kelsey Crowe:

It's important to remember that you don't have to have all the answers or fix their problems. Just being there for them and listening to them can be incredibly helpful. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's okay to seek help from a therapist or counselor.

Amy Morin:

That's all for