EMPATHY SUMMIT
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Exploring Empathy Circles:
The Foundational Practice of the
Empathy Movement
Embedded Files
In these transformative Summits, seasoned practitioners and thought leaders converge to explore the profound impact and potential of the Empathy Circle practice. These gatherings serve as a crucible for understanding and advancing the Empathy Movement, with the Empathy Circle at its core.
Key Summit Highlights:
Key Summit Highlights:
Personal Narratives: Participants share compelling stories of how the Empathy Circle practice has influenced their lives and work, offering real-world examples of its transformative power.
Mechanics and Efficacy: Experts dissect the inner workings of the practice, explaining why and how it fosters genuine connection and understanding among participants.
Benefits and Challenges: A balanced exploration of the positive outcomes and potential hurdles encountered in implementing Empathy Circles, providing a comprehensive view of the practice.
Empathic Consciousness: Delve into the profound shift in perspective and being that emerges through regular engagement with Empathy Circles.
Innovation and Evolution: Discover how the core Empathy Circle practice has inspired new methodologies and applications across various fields.
Future Horizons: Engage in stimulating discussions about the future potential of Empathy Circles and their role in shaping a more compassionate society.
Community Connection: The Summit serves as a reunion for facilitators, practitioners, trainees, and supporters, fostering a vibrant community of practice.
Join Our Thriving Community
Join Our Thriving Community
Immerse yourself in this unique gathering of empathy enthusiasts and professionals. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to the concept, the Empathy Circle Summit offers unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and connection.
Be part of the movement that's reshaping human interaction and understanding. Together, we'll explore the boundless potential of empathy in creating a more harmonious world.
PARTNERS AND SPONSORS LIST
Become a summit partner, sponsor or volunteer.
Ingrid Hirtz
The Empathy Center
Empathy Circle Trainer
ingridhirtz@gmail.com
Program:
All times are Pacific Time
Speakers Schedule
9:00am - Introduction
9:05 am - Selene Aitken - How to Integrate the Skills of the Empathy Circle in Business and Government Meetings
9:15 am - Janna Weiss & Maria Trottmann - Embodying Virtue: The Classic Empathy Circle with Universal Human Values
9:35 am - Dean Bowles - The Use of Empathy Circles in Family Dynamics
9:50 am - Daniel Hirtz - The Living Energy of Empathy Circles — Naming What's Already Happening
10:05 am - Kevin Waldman - Empathy Circles Restore Genuine Connection in an Age of Performative Empathy
10:20 am - Mahip Rathore - Empathy Circles as a Core Intervention in Couples Therapy
10:35 am - Larry Lawhorn - Active Listening in Empathy Circles
10:45 am -Teri McGovern-Nintzel - The Synergy of Empathy Circles and Vagal Toning
11:00 Empathy Circle
12:10 Debrief
12:28 Closing
9:00 am PT (5 min)
Host: Cara Jean Wilson
How to Integrate the Skills of the Empathy Circle in Business and Government Meetings
Speaker: Selene Aitken (10 min)
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Bio: Selene’s goal in life has been to bring a little peace to the world through mediation and the practice of fostering collaborative, empathic communication. Selene is an Empathy Circle Facilitation Trainer. (LinkedIn)
Topic: How to Integrate the Skills of the Empathy Circle in Business and Government Meetings
Abstract: Empathy Circle Skills can help even in formal meetings. When participants experience being heard, they relax and more easily collaborate.
Embodying Virtue: Combining the Classic Empathy Circle with Universal Human Values
Speaker: Janna Weiss & Maria Trottmann (20 min)
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Bio: Janna Weiss, PhD, is an Empathy Circle Facilitator and Trainer, accredited facilitator for the Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom's 16 Guidelines international flagship program, acupuncturist, herbalist, ethnobotanist, and advocate for peace, and for the human rights of the Tibetan people, people with psychosocial disabilities or those perceived to be so, and the real rights of children and families. (Website) (LinkedIn) (Facebook)
Bio: Maria Trottmann is an economist interested in building institutions and social systems that foster human flourishing and social harmony. She is an Empathy Circle Facilitator who has participated in and facilitated numerous Empathy Circles on the 16 Guidelines.
Topic: Embodying Virtue: Combining the Classic Empathy Circle with Universal Human Values
Abstract: The classic Empathy Circle always includes the option to speak about whatever is in your heart and mind, and will usually also include a suggested topic. Along with the "free speech" option, a community of Empathy Circle practitioners combines the Empathy Circle practice with the 16 Guidelines. The 16 Guidelines are a set of universal human values based on a short 7th century classic Tibetan text that helped transform Tibet from a violent society to a compassionate society. Values or virtues such as humility, gratitude, forgiveness, and courage have known benefits for human flourishing and wellbeing.
The Use of Empathy Circles in Family Dynamics
Speaker: Dean Bowles (15 min)
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Bio: I’m a Director of a local Community Charity, and I work part time as a volunteer in a local community kitchen for the homeless and disadvantaged (Website) (LinkedIn) (Facebook)
Topic: The Use of Empathy Circles in Family Dynamics.
Abstract: How the use of this process enabled me to reach out to my self-harming daughter and establish a line of communications that was safe for all of us. The power of my daughter being given full attention from both of her parents at once ensured she was fully understood, and felt she had a safe vessel to open up into. I do a 15-min talk about how it was established and the power that I gave her to feel fully heard.
The Living Energy of Empathy Circles — Naming What's Already Happening
Speaker: Daniel Hirtz (15 min)
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Bio: Daniel Hirtz is a breathwork educator, drum circle facilitator, and Empathy Circle co-host whose 40 years of group practice have taught him to recognize the living energy that moves through people when they truly listen to each other. (LinkedIn) (Facebook) (Website)
Topic: The Living Energy of Empathy Circles — Naming What's Already Happening
Abstract: Something powerful moves through an Empathy Circle when it's working — a tangible, living energy that most participants feel but few have language for. After 40 years of facilitating breathwork and drum circles, I've come to recognize this as the same energy: the field that emerges whenever human beings enter genuine mutual contact. Naming this energy — making it visible — is how we build a movement that people don't just understand intellectually but feel in their bodies and carry with them.
Empathy Circles Restore Genuine Connection in an Age of Performative Empathy
Speaker: Kevin Waldman (15 min)
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Bio: Kevin Waldman is a clinical researcher, mental health professional, and founder of psychFORM Research Lab, focusing on developmental psychology, identity formation, and the psychological effects of performative behavior. (Website) (LinkedIn)
Topic: Empathy Circles Restore Genuine Connection in an Age of Performative Empathy
Abstract: This presentation explores how performative empathy — shaped by social signaling and external validation — can distance young people from genuine emotional connection. It introduces the Empathy Circle as a practice that centers active listening, emotional attunement, and mutual understanding. By contrasting performative empathy with the lived experience of an Empathy Circle, this work argues that Empathy Circles offer a direct way to reconnect individuals with authentic human understanding and presence.
Empathy Circles as a Core Intervention in Couples Therapy
Speaker: Mahip Rathore (15 min)
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Bio: I’m a psychologist, meditation teacher, and former lawyer dedicated to helping people feel more connected — to themselves, to their partners, and to something deeper. (Website) (LinkedIn)
Topic: Empathy Circles as a Core Intervention in Couples Therapy
Abstract: Empathy Circles in couples therapy teach partners to listen deeply, reflect accurately, and understand the underlying emotions and intentions behind each other’s experiences. This structured practice fosters emotional safety, clearer communication, and stronger connection, helping couples move beyond reactive patterns toward more conscious and compassionate relating. When integrated into daily life, it not only improves relationship stability and satisfaction but also creates a healthier emotional environment that positively shapes children’s development.
Active Listening in Empathy Circles
Speaker: Larry Lawhorn (10 min)
To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts
Bio: Larry Lawhorn is a long term host of a weekly Empathy Circle series at EmpathyMatters.org :-) (Website) (Facebook) (LinkedIn)
Topic: Active Listening in Empathy Circles
Abstract: Our thoughts are like seeds, and we are the gardeners of our own self-care, and our own planet's self-care. Perhaps listening is not just waiting for our turn to speak. Perhaps listening is the willingness to make room for what is already waiting to be heard.
The Synergy of Empathy Circles and Vagal Toning
Speaker: Teri McGovern-Nintzel (15 min)
To Video, Summary, AI, Outline, Full Transcripts
Bio: Teri McGovern-Nintzel is a vagal toning and Empathy Circle facilitator, writer, poet, and intuitive composer who creates spaces that support connection, resilience, and embodied presence. (Website) (Facebook)
Topic: The Synergy of Empathy Circles and Vagal Toning
Abstract: Empathy Circles offer a predictable, supportive structure that helps our nervous systems relax into a shared intention for connection. This strengthens the social engagement system and builds resilience in returning to collaboration after stress. Vagal toning practices further support this capacity, helping participants shift into presence and out of defensive states.
11:00 am PT EMPATHY CIRCLE
Host: Janna Weiss
EMPATHY CIRCLE
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Empathy Summit Debrief
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Empathy Summit: June 6, 2026: Links
Website: http://EmpathySummit.com
Event Page: https://EmpathySummit.com/dates/june-6-2026-empathy-circles
Short URL: https://tinyurl.com/ESJun6-2026
World Times: https://tinyurl.com/EECSummitJun6
Registration: https://forms.gle/gLJi4uJKoM2n4cpV7
Partners: http://EmpathySummit.com/sponsors
Volunteers: http://EmpathySummit.com/volunteers
LinkedIn Event: https://linkedin.com/events/7423246462848974849/
Facebook Event: https://facebook.com/events/1561291621751866/
Feedback: https://forms.gle/DtCFBrXGFc9iHanRA
Final Report Location: https://EmpathySummit.com/dates/nov-8-2025-empathy-circles
Feedback
Your City and Country? Response Summary
Geographic Diversity: Responses included participants from the United States (California, Maryland, Utah, Oklahoma, and Arizona) and Canada (Toronto).
US Representation: The US locations included specific cities such as Woodacre, Brooklyn Park, Salt Lake City, Laguna Woods, Thousand Oaks, Oklahoma City, and Tucson.
Share any feedback about your experience in todays Summit?
Summary
Positive Experience and Desire for Involvement: Multiple participants found the Summit helpful, expressed enjoyment, and shared an interest in continuing to participate in Empathy Circles and learning how to be part of the mission to increase empathy in K-16 education.
Value of Empathy and its Benefits: Hearing about what people are doing with empathy and learning about its benefits and the supporting science was highly motivating for participants.
Interest in Empathy Circles: Participants enjoyed being in the Empathy Circle and realized they want to participate in and provide opportunities for others to experience these circles, noting their potential benefit for organizations.
Area for Improvement: One concern was raised about people repeating too much, suggesting that true reflection comes from deep attunement.
Responses
Always a joy to be in an Empathy Circle
I always love to hear about what people are doing with empathy
I found it very helpful in realizing I want to participate in Empathy Circles for myself, and also to give opportunities to other to experience it. I think it can be helpful for organizations where everyone is expected to think a like in certain ways.
I enjoyed this experience and look forward to returning and learning how I can be part of the mission to increase empathy in K-16 education.
Hearing empathy benefits and the science is gasoline for empathy fire.
Concerned about people repeating too much, reflecting comes from deep attunement.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in today's summit
What topics would you suggest for future Summits?
None at this time, but I am sure I will have some in the future.
Conflict resolution with empathy
I have ideas for a one-hour presentation
If Yes, what is the reason you will attend again?
Response Summary
Response Summary
Value of Empathy and Personal Growth: Attendees are motivated by their care for empathy and the work being done, as well as the personal benefit they receive, noting that empathy helps them be their true self.
Learning and Development: The opportunity to continue learning about Empathy Circles and how to apply them to improve teaching and listening practices is a key reason for returning, along with the acknowledgement that there is "always more to learn."
Quality of Content and Networking: Participants enjoyed the event, finding it informative and beneficial for networking, specifically citing the great presentations, speakers, and the chance to meet "kindred spirits."
Responses
Responses
Empathy helps me be who I truly am.
I like the speakers and the Empathy Circle
I enjoyed it and found it informative and beneficial for networking
To continue in learning about Empathy Circles, and how I can use them to improve my teaching and listening practice.
There's always more to learn. Great conversation.
I care about EMPATHY and your work
presentations were great and chance to meet kindred spirits
IMAGES
BackUp Why the Empathy Circle Works
9:35 am - Speaker: Lou Zweier (10 min)
Bio: Empathy Circle Facilitation Trainer and developer of the Empathy Circle Facilitation Training. Lou Zweier has been holding Empathy Circles, training Empathy Circle Facilitators, and working with Edwin Rutsch since 2016; he is a former executive of the California State University System, a current member of the Empathy Center Board of Directors, and a Principal Partner at the Authentic Leadership Center.
Topic: Why the Empathy Circle Works
Abstract: An explanation of why the Empathy Circle practice has the effect that it does and how the structural elements of the circle contribute to the results. The Empathy Circle works effectively due to its structured approach, which enhances mutuality, tolerance, and open communication. Key elements include equal speaking turns, which ensure everyone has a fair chance to speak and be heard, and the three to five-minute time limit per turn, which helps listeners tolerate potentially uncomfortable content.
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