236 Beyond Sympathy: Embracing Empathy and Redefining Support with Debra Caldow

In this episode, host Debra Caldow discusses the crucial difference between sympathy—feeling for someone—and empathy—seeking to understand and follow someone else's perspective—especially in the context of additional needs. She talks about why sympathy can lead to learned helplessness and why empathy is harder because it requires giving up control, listening first, and asking before acting. Debra argues that empathy-led support is more impactful because it is about learning how to step back and empower others by listening. If you would like to support this podcast then visit buymeacoffee.com/expandingworlds