Why Over-Empathy Destroys Nervous System Safety

It shows up when you:

  • Feel distressed when others are distressed

  • Absorb tension in a room instantly

  • Struggle to separate your feelings from others’

  • Feel compelled to fix emotional discomfort

  • Carry guilt when others are upset

  • Stay emotionally activated long after an interaction ends

Your nervous system does not experience this as compassion.
It experiences it as threat monitoring.

Watson's Wellness Center

I’m Elena Watson, Ed.D., an educator, leader, and life coach with more than 25 years of experience helping people grow, learn, and thrive.

I earned my doctorate in educational leadership from Walden University and a master’s in special education from the University of San Diego. My career has included serving as a director of special education, school principal, and university educator, where I guided teachers, parents, and students toward success. I also co-founded ABC4IEP LLC, an organization dedicated to supporting families and schools in navigating the special education process.

Along the way, I have continued to expand my skills with certifications in dialectic behavior therapy (DBT) skills training, neurolinguistic programming (NLP) practitioners, grief coaching, and neurodiversity coaching. These tools allow me to support people in life transitions with both practical strategies and compassionate guidance.

Today, through Watson’s Wellness Center, I bring together my background in leadership, psychology, and education to offer digital resources and coaching that empower individuals to endure, evolve, and excel.

https://www.2thriveagain.com
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