A Mile in Your Shoes: The Unique Challenges of Empathy

Shoshana Averbach LMSW, MA, MSW, CCM, CDP, MT-BC, LCAT brings us into the world of empaths and sensitive souls. As we explore the impact these traits may have on clients, participants will take part in this meaningful discussion as we define empaths and sensitive souls as the concepts relate to practice with individuals navigating overwhelm and information overload, conceptualize theory surrounding empaths and sensitivity in the context of relationships, work, and life challenges, as well as consider coping strategies that may offer clients ways to create customized balance and boundaries essential to navigating a variety of life settings and situations as empathic individuals.

Shoshana Averbach, LMSW, MA, MT-BC, LCAT, CDP, CCM, BCP3, CMIP, earned 2 master’s degrees in music therapy and social work from New York University and Yeshiva University, respectively, and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, Board- Certified Music Therapist, Case Manager, and has accreditation as a healer through the Jewish Association of Spiritual Healers. She also is a certified practitioner of the Emotion Code, Body Code, and Belief Code and studied other numerous holistic healing modalities for client self-healing. For over 35 years, she has worked with primarily geriatrics as a social worker, music therapist, and recreation leader in nursing homes, hospice, short-term rehabilitation, dementia, senior center, and home care. She has provided music therapy services and has performed in over 85 geriatric facilities in the NYC area. Shoshana produced two CDs of original, healing songs and musical compositions: The Time Is Coming (2011) and I Reclaim My Heart (2015). Shoshana currently works in private practice as a social worker, music therapist, and healer in the NYC area in addition to teaching psychology courses as an adjunct professor. For more information, see her website, www.authenticradiance.life.