I think it is irresponsible to ask Clients to share their story which may bring up memories and thoughts that they have kept buried for good reason, without making sure they have the resources to take care of themselves when we are not there. Safety first.

Pity - when you feel sorry for someone but don't think it could ever happen to you. Essentially looking down on them as less than and othering them

Opinion - when you say/judge why someone is in their situation.

Difference in energy I mean.

I didn't know that difference between cognitive empathy and emotional empathy. That's really interesting.

When coaching, I deliberately move between both.

If I am too emotionally involved, I can't say anything useful.

If I am too cognitive, I don't fully understand the person's experience.

Dr. Kristin Neff (and others I expect) said that technically it's empathy fatigue. And that being compassionate has been found to be energising. Which I think is interesting. I think it can also be exhausting if you don't think you are helping or don't know how to help.

Then i identify the thought that made me feel ashamed and give myself self-compassion for the feeling of shame.

I am not sure what the long term impact will be as it is new for me. But it's interesting.

And maybe you have a mental tic/automatic thought when you feel shame?

Err! I am not sure where to begin but yes politics influences everyone's life. Even if someone benefits from political decisions so much that they don't have to think about it. The influence of society and community on the individual was basic teaching for youth workers.