Understanding Empathy

September 4, 2015September 18, 2015 / Sharece Campbell, LMFT I Postpartum Doula / 26 Comments

Finding yourself stuck in a cycle of negativity, or similar arguments with someone you love?

Our relationships can suffer because we minimize one anothers feelings. Even if doing so was not our intention. Many of us lack the ability to see another persons perspective. Often times we are too focused on our own feelings and experiences, that we completely miss the mark. We miss opportunities to connect with others, because we are being “selfish”, or at least coming across as such.

More and more, I’m noticing that much of what we communicate tends to get lost in translation. We attack one another simply because we believe we were wronged in some way. The worst part is that when these messages are misunderstood, many of us fail to gain clarification on the intended message. As a result, maybe you spend the next day replaying that conversation in your head. Man, have I been there one too many times! I admit that I have let my imagination run wild, without taking a moment to calm those nasty convos in my head.

Then, when I am able to confront the “issue”, I often learn that I was wrong. So, realistically I’ve spent an unimaginable amount of time dwelling over things that could have been cleared up if I was able to understand the other’s interpretation without having my feelings block my judgement.

Psychotherapist Cindy Sigal, AMFT (Relationshipshttp://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2014/06/08/the-power-of-empathy-in-romantic-relationships-how-to-enhance-it/) has a wonderful perspective on how to improve empathy in our relationships.

What is EMPATHY?

Cindy discussed three different types: Cognitive (we don’t lose sight of our feelings). Here we are able to recognize others feelings without experiencing these same feelings ourselves.

Emotional (sharing feelings with your partner or others). If your hurting, I’m hurting. If you’re angry, I’m angry too.

Compassionate ( a whole person response (changing our own behavior). With this type, we realize what our partner may be experiencing, and actively alter our behavior to increase positive feelings. For example, you may know that today wasn’t a good day for the other person. Instead of adding onto their current stress load, you do something different. You may say kind words, or pick up their favorite snack.

In addition to understanding the different types of empathy, it will also be helpful to identifying the Road Blocks from experiencing empathy.

-Getting sucked into our own perspectives (how we are feeling vs our partner): From my experiences with others including what I’ve been through personally, is that many disputes/disagreements occur when you feel the other person isn’t listening, or feel as though they do not care. Many of us become stuck with defending ourselves when communicating, because for some reason we feel attacked. What can possibly be resolved if both of you aren’t even attempting to understand the others perspective? You’d don’t have to agree with them, but this will help you grain clarity. I’m definitely still a work in progress!

-Focusing on negatives: Can you imagine a lifetime full of complaints, with no motivation to make any positive changes? #exhausting. We all have our days of picking out the “wrongs”, but what about trying to clear a tiny circle off of that filthy mirror from time to time. This will definitely keep your relationships “stuck” in the helpless zone. Try finding at least one positive for every 3 negatives. This may be challenging if your thinking has already been shaped by constant negative messages, but your situation is not hopeless. Train yourself to think differently…it’s never too late to learn something new. 🙂

-Treat ourselves how we would treat others: I admit that am not the best example of this. I allow others the ability to make mistakes, and offer them my best advice and encouraging words. But, I don’t always allow myself these same luxuries. Yes, I want to push myself, and learn from past experiences. How will this be possible if I won’t even give myself the opportunity to reflect on these roadblocks?

I hope that today is a wonderful day for everyone, and we all are able to improve our Empathy!

What contributes to your overall satisfaction in your romantic relationships ( past, present, or future)?

-XOXO

FreeBryd

Photo #1:http://www.canstockphoto.com/

Photo #2: http://www.lifetimeloveaffair.com/

Building Relationships//Interviews

September 2, 2015September 3, 2015 / Sharece Campbell, LMFT I Postpartum Doula / Leave a comment

Still searching for as much feedback as possible, on ways that women can improve their relationships with one another, socialize and network! Don’t be shy…let’s get creative I’ll share the results soon enough. Thanks for your support!

Be Free 2 Love

After speaking to those close to me, I believe that we have an idea of how to begin putting an end to this madness (see previous two posts on Woman 2 Women). Think about this…what have women been known for doing to just to mix and mingle with other women? Where can women go where they can be free to meet other like-minded individuals where the focus is not on family? Men have sports that bring them together (not to say that women are excluded from this). But, what can women do together that will help close this gap?

Over the next few weeks, I will reach out to others via this blog, randomly out in the community, as well as friends and family to begin figuring out a solution to this dilemma (yes, it’s that important). I love research, and I am excited to see what I am able to…

View original post 101 more words

Inspiration//What’s Holding You Back From Change?

August 18, 2015August 18, 2015 / Sharece Campbell, LMFT I Postpartum Doula / 13 Comments

Annoyed with how someone has been mistreating you? Not thrilled about your current status of your relationship? These are just a few of many complaints that I have heard, whether personally, or in conversations with others. I felt compelled to address something that has been heavy on my mind, and hope that I can help provide some guidance to fellow complainers.

Listen, let me just share with you that I’ve complained a lot! I know that I’m not alone, so don’t judge me too much. I know that communicating what upsets me comes naturally. I’m sure my sister doesn’t mind haha! But then what? I share this with others, and go on about my day only to revisit the same complaint the following day? Sounds crazy…right? Believe me I know!

Here is a book that has helped shake me out of the deja vu I was constantly experiencing:

Dance of Anger by Harriet Goldhor Lerner, Ph.D.

Originally, this book was assigned to me as a class assignment during my Graduate program. But, I’ve referred back to this book on several occasions. Don’t get turned off by the description of the book being a “woman’s guide”. I do not feel as though women are the only individuals who can benefit from this read. This book provides examples of how we complain about our life experiences, but often times do nothing to change the outcome if repeated in the future. In addition, Dance of Anger provides helpful feedback on how to break this cycle to make long-term changes in your interactions with others.

I’ve learned new ways of navigating through all of my complaining, to be able to brainstorm and attempt new solutions. Instead of dreading that conversation with someone (that normally goes sour before you’ve realized what’s happened), instead of feeling hopeless that your current situation won’t improve, try jotting down some possible scenarios to instantly reduce those troubles. Sounds simple enough, but not many of us are able to think logically when experiencing feelings of anger, hurt, frustration or sadness.

Remember that you’re perfectly capable of impacting change in your life. Just work on making these changes, INSTEAD of just complaining about them.

~XOXO

FreeBryd