The power of empathy, peer groups support with understanding

The power of empathy
Peer groups help veterans, police and moms of kids with special needs
8:42 AM, Jan. 17, 2012

Written by
MaryLynn Schiavi
For NJ Press Media


What do police officers, military veterans and mothers have in common?

They all fall into the category of those who help and support others — but often, do not get the help and support that they need, according to Cherie Castellano, the driving force behind the creation of three Central Jersey-based peer-to-peer support programs.

The programs, offered by the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, are proving that empathy, which arises from walking in the shoes of another, creates a powerful connection and support for those in crisis.

That, in turn, helps both parties heal.

Castellano is a crisis intervention professional and program manager at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey’s Behavioral HealthCare division in Piscataway.

She is the director of Cop2Cop, which she established over a decade ago prior to the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001; NJ Vet2Vet, established in 2005; and Mom2Mom, established in late 2010, which offers support and guidance to mothers of children with special needs.
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