How can I teach a sociopath empathy?

Simply put, you can’t teach a sociopath empathy.

Why? Because, sociopathy (along with any other advanced form of selfishness, such as narcissism or psychopathy) ultimately is a matter of the conscience, not a matter of either a lack of intellect, or a lack of awareness. A sociopath is a sociopath because they have intentionally and habitually chosen to repeatedly and consistently value things over people, to put themselves first over the best interest of others, and have dulled their conscience to the point that they experience little guilt over using and manipulating people, and have lost the value of anything but achieving greater personal fulfillment in life via pragmatism over principle.

Trying to teach empathy to a sociopath is unfortunately a losing proposition, because the sociopath understands what they are doing, yet simply has no interest in being anything other than a more accomplished sociopath (they would refer to it as sales, business, deal-making, climbing the corporate or social ladder, etc). The overly good-hearted person (commonly known as a codependent) wants to believe the best in others to a point where they cast aside discernment, and end up “casting pearls before swine” (Mt. 7:6). That not only proves futile and frustrating when dealing with a Sociopath, but actually creates additional problems… as the selfish person is “cut additional slack”, which simply allows them additional time to drain the nice person dry in a myriad of ways.

The best thing to do for a Sociopath? Risk believing they are as capable, bright, and intelligent as they in fact are (it takes talent to be able to “work a crowd” or to be the life of the party), and therefore are capable enough to make adult decisions. Then, set them free to experience natural consequences without you shielding them from the pain.