Derek, I agree that one can have an empathic response and not be in Self. What I hoped to express in the video, was that when you make an empathic response to someone like "you seem really sad right now" that that empathic response helps the person move more into Self. Now they are aware they are sad and have a chance to come into relationship to their sadness. It doesn't move them into Self so clearly as an IFS process would, but it moves them toward being in Self.
Thank Tom, I really appreciate the clarity with which you bring the two models together. I question empathy as an aspect of Self though. I agree about how helpful empathic parts can be for facilitating connection, and in the therapeutic encounter they may not have to work that hard and can relax back. In my experience they are often young parts (the work on mirror neurons would suggest they come into play very early) and can become overwhelmed (burnout etc). Conversely compassion is limitless.
Derek, I agree that one can have an empathic response and not be in Self. What I hoped to express in the video, was that when you make an empathic response to someone like "you seem really sad right now" that that empathic response helps the person move more into Self. Now they are aware they are sad and have a chance to come into relationship to their sadness. It doesn't move them into Self so clearly as an IFS process would, but it moves them toward being in Self.
Best wishes,
Tom
42tomholmes 7 months ago
Thank Tom, I really appreciate the clarity with which you bring the two models together. I question empathy as an aspect of Self though. I agree about how helpful empathic parts can be for facilitating connection, and in the therapeutic encounter they may not have to work that hard and can relax back. In my experience they are often young parts (the work on mirror neurons would suggest they come into play very early) and can become overwhelmed (burnout etc). Conversely compassion is limitless.
derektherapist 8 months ago
Thanks Tom. Having some IFS videos on Youtube is a really helpful resource. Please give us more.
doctorofdreams 9 months ago