EMPATHY IN 5 STEPS

Empathy in 5 Steps is a process designed to help you better understand another person's experience, known as the C.W.I.F.E. model. It allows you to truly empathize with them. While many people associate empathy primarily with understanding emotions, the C.W.I.F.E. model identifies five distinct and connected components: Context, Wants, Interference, Feelings, and Evoked Responses. When used properly, it enhances relationships and creates deeper understanding and connection. 
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How it Works

To truly empathesize with a person, you'll observe and respond to their unique situation using the C.W.I.F.E. Model. Then you can document these findings in our C.W.I.F.E. tool

C-WIFE Model

You'll enter you're observations that describe a person’s Context, Wants, Interference, Feelings, and Evoked Response. (we call this the C-WIFE model) and then respond to the person's unique situation.

Document Observations using the C-WIFE Tool

After completing the 5 questions, read the empathy summary, which offers a causal account of that perso

Find Empathy in Their Situation

Take a moment to consider where there are opportunities for empathy in this situation. If the Empathy Summary doesn’t seem accurate, refine it as you learn more about the person and situation.ct with peers.

Backed by Science

Empathy in 5 Steps rests on 30 years of clinical experience and research helping patients develop empathy for themselves and others.
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Designed and Created by a  Psychotherapist

with more than 30 years of clinical experience and research.
Psychotherapist, Professor Emeritus, Vanderbilt University, author of ten books, Supervising Psychoanalyst, The St. Louis Psychoanalytic Institute and the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California (PINE).

Dr. Volney Gay


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