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What is the Difference between Empathy and Sympathy?

Tara Warwick, MS, OTR/L

December 26, 2018

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Question

What is the difference between empathy and sympathy?

Answer

Brene Brown is one of my favorite authors. She has written an extremely astute explanation as to how we can distinguish between empathy and sympathy. For example, think about a family who is in a bad situation, or who is "stuck in a hole." Empathy is when you get in the hole with them. Empathy is when you understand that this isn't my hole, but I'm going to be here with this family and I'm going to help them find ways to get out of the hole. You're not saying that you know how they are feeling, but you are willing to be there with them and work through it together. Sympathy is when you're looking down at them in the hole and you think, "Wow, that must be a difficult situation. I'm sad for you, but I don't know how to help you." Empathy is really about jumping into that hole with them (Brown, 2013). 

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, It's Not What You Say, It's How You Say It (Family-Centered Practice & Teaming), by Tara Warwick, MS.

tara warwick

Tara Warwick, MS, OTR/L

Tara Warwick, MS, OTR/L, is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy in 2000 and completing her Master’s degree in rehabilitation sciences with an emphasis in pediatrics in 2005. She has spent her entire career focusing on improving the quality of services for children, primarily targeting children with autism.  She currently co-owns a pediatric therapy practice called Today’s Therapy Solutions and is a consultant for the Oklahoma Autism Center through the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center – Child Study Center. Tara’s specialties include working with children with autism and challenging behavior. She has extensive experience and expertise in behavior management, sensory processing, self-care training (potty training, eating/feeding, dressing, play, etc.), and assistive technology.  She has conducted trainings and provided consultations for schools, parents and health and child care professionals all across the state.

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