Empathy Without Fixing: Grief, Emotional Support, and Breaking Self-Sabotage
In Episode 6, Kim is joined by relationship coach Mason O’Sullivan to answer listener questions about empathy, emotional support, grief, and long-standing self-sabotage patterns.
This episode focuses on one of the most common breakdowns in relationships: trying to fix emotions instead of understanding them. Kim and Mason unpack why empathy is not agreement, why problem-solving too fast makes partners feel alone, and how learning to sit with discomfort can change the entire tone of a relationship.
The conversation also explores how to show up for someone who is grieving when you feel awkward or unsure what to do, and how to begin untangling self-sabotaging behaviors that have been in place for years, especially when disability, shame, or past mistakes are involved.
This episode is especially helpful if you’ve been told you’re “bad at empathy,” feel helpless around grief, or recognize patterns of self-sabotage you’re ready to change.
Kim's website: https://www.kimpolinder.com/
Kim's Instagram: / kp_counseling
Kim's YouTube: / @engineeringlovepodcast