Understanding Empathy vs Sympathy - Samaritans' Perspective

Empathy in Supporting Others

Empathy defined:

At Samaritans, we emphasise empathy over sympathy in our approach to supporting individuals:

• We listen attentively and seek to understand the person's experiences.
• Our role is to empathise with their feelings and perspectives.
• We create a safe space for them to share their thoughts and emotions.
• Empathy allows us to connect without assuming we fully understand their pain.

The Difference Between Empathy and Sympathy

Key distinctions:

• Empathy: Involves listening and seeking to understand without assuming shared experiences.
• Sympathy: Involves acknowledging another's feelings based on shared experiences or understanding.

Our volunteers provide empathic support by encouraging dialogue and offering a listening ear, ensuring individuals feel heard and supported during their time of need.