Supporting Youth at Risk With Empathic Intervision
Psychology Today
by Lidewij Niezink, Ph.D., and Katherine Train, Ph.D.February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Supporting at-risk youth requires more than traditional risk management; it demands intentional, empathetic approaches that foster resilience, belonging, and personal agency. Empathic intervision emerges as a promising solution, offering a structured group process that combines deep listening, meaningful dialogue, and actionable skills. By integrating self-awareness, kinesthetic empathy, reflective listening, imaginative perspective-taking, and creative problem-solving, this approach transforms empathy into an active practice, reducing bias and enhancing connections among participants.
The foundation of empathic intervision lies in self-empathy, where individuals develop awareness of their own mental, emotional, and physical states. This enables them to remain present during discussions without being overwhelmed or projecting their experiences onto others. Kinesthetic empathy involves attunement to non-verbal cues like body language and tone, helping participants build rapport and shared understanding. Reflective empathy focuses on active listening and accurate reflection, ensuring clarity and reducing misinterpretation while fostering a sense of being heard.
Imaginative empathy encourages participants to suspend their own perspectives and engage deeply with others' experiences, fostering appreciation for differences and improving conflict resolution skills. Finally, empathic creativity translates this understanding into actionable insights, empowering individuals to address challenges constructively. Together, these elements create a dynamic group environment where connection and capability are cultivated side by side.
For readers interested in health, empathic intervision offers a powerful tool for addressing the mental health challenges faced by youth. By fostering relational belonging and reducing isolation, it helps at-risk youth feel understood and supported. This approach not only addresses immediate concerns but also builds long-term skills for navigating complex social environments, making it a vital resource for promoting emotional well-being and resilience in young people.
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/20/2026