Ep.5- Empathy Without Enmeshment

Ep.5- Empathy Without Enmeshment

Update: 2025-07-18
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If you grew up in a narcissistic or emotionally chaotic household, chances are you were taught to feel for others, but not for yourself. 

In this episode, we’re unpacking what empathy actually is, why it often gets distorted in dysfunctional families, and how to reclaim it as something healthy, mutual, and safe.

We explore the three different types of empathy, how it becomes weaponised or used against you in toxic dynamics, and why so many survivors struggle with people-pleasing, guilt, and emotional burnout. This isn’t about turning off your empathy, it’s about practising discernment in who you give your empathy to, and learning to turn it back toward yourself.

BEYOND SURVIVAL - The Therapy Podcast

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Ep.5- Empathy Without Enmeshment

Ep.5- Empathy Without Enmeshment

Katie McKenna