Transformative Journeys - to Growth and Resilience

Episode 18: Empathy, Empaths, and Emotional Boundaries - And How Not to Be a Doormat

Johanna Season 1 Episode 18

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We all feel the vibes of the people around us. Some light us up, some drain us dry, and most of us call that empathy - our natural human ability to connect and care. 

But in recent years, the word “empath” has exploded in pop culture, and it’s not always used in ways that help us heal or set boundaries.

In this episode of Transformative Journeys, Johanna dives into:

  • The neuroscience of empathy and the three types psychologists recognize
  • The origins of the term “empath” (spoiler: it started in sci-fi, not psychology)
  • A quick self-check quiz to see if you’re simply empathetic or leaning more toward "empath" territory
  • Why the distinction matters - and how mis-labeling can keep us stuck in unhealthy dynamics
  • Practical tools and coping strategies (including Johanna’s Bubble Meditation) to help you protect your energy without shutting down your compassion

✨ Whether you’re empathetic, empath-ish, or just someone tired of carrying other people’s baggage, this episode is here to remind you: being sensitive doesn’t make you a doormat.

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