We build on a neuroanatomical model of how empathic states can motivate
caregiving behaviour, via empathy circuit-driven activation of regions in the
hypothalamus and amygdala which in turn stimulate a mesolimbic-ventral pal-
lidum pathway, by integrating findings related to the perception of pain in self
and others. Based on this we propose a network to capture states of personal
distress and empathic concern, which are particularly relevant for psychothera-
pists conducting attachment-based interventions. This model is then extended
for the case of Self-Attachment therapy in which conceptualised components of
the self serve as both the source of and target for empathic resonance, and we
consider how states of empathic concern involving an other that is perceived as
being closely related to the self might enhance the motivation for self-directed
bonding. We simulate our model computationally, and discuss the interplay
between the bonding and empathy protocols of the therapy.