In science, it is a regular occurrence for research in different areas to eventually have much in
common. In this context, research has already been done on intersubjectivity, especially in the
field of imitation (e.g., Brǻten, 1998a,b; Gergely & Watson, 1996/2004; Kugiumutzakis, 1998;
Trevarthen, 1979, 1998, 2002a,b,c), feelings and emotions (e.g., Damasio, 2004a,b), and the
field of mirror neurons (e.g., Rizzolatti, 2001; Gallese, 2001, 2003a,b; Iacoboni, 2009). For
two of these domains I previously published a review article in this journal (Peters, 2003a,
2009). The present article aims to show how intersubjectivity, imitation, mirror neurons, and
empathy may be related. As far as mirror neurons are concerned, I will especially focus on
the work of Gallese (e.g., 2000, 2001, 2003a,b) and Iacoboni (2009), because they explicitly
describe the relation between intersubjectivity and empathy.
The tPeP (Journal Person-centered experiential Psychotherapy) is the scientific journal for Dutch and Flemish psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, that work from, or are interested in a client-centered perspective.