Barriers to empathy.

Sympathetic observations disconnect rather than provide connected comforting. Reacting so negatively that the listener needs comfort. Refusing to cope with the discomfort and turning to anger at the situation. Countering the story with an “even worse” story to redirect attention.rB1


  1. Brené Brown, Dare to Lead: Brave Work, Tough Conversations, Whole Hearts (New York: Random House, 2018). (See notes.)