What is the difference between having empathy and being an empath? “Having empathy means our heart goes out to another person in joy or pain,” says Dr. Judith Orloff “But for empaths it goes much farther We actually feel others’ emotions, energy, and physical symptoms in our own bodies, without the usual defenses that most people have.” With The Empath’s Survival Guide, Dr. Orloff offers an invaluable resource to help sensitive people develop healthy coping mechanisms in our high-stimulus world—while fully embracing the empath’s gifts of intuition, creativity, and spiritual connection.
In this practical and empowering book for empaths and their loved ones, Dr. Orloff begins with self-assessment exercises to help you understand your empathic nature, then offers potent strategies for protecting yourself from overwhelm and replenishing your vital energy For any sensitive person who’s been told to “grow a thick skin,” here is your lifelong guide for staying fully open while building resilience, exploring your gifts of deep perception, raising empathic children, and feeling welcomed and valued by a world that desperately needs what you have to offer.
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27 reviews for The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People
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Empath
Susan F –
Judith Orloff’s brave and wise words have helped so many people understand their lives, their skills and their needs. She has taught me that empaths have a precious gift which we need to cultivate, and that we also need to learn self-protection at the same time, in order to be able to use those gifts. The world needs more empaths, and Judith gives us the tools to use to shape ourselves into empowered people. She is encouraging, motivating and caring in her approach. This is one of the most important books I’ve ever read.
CMFitzpatrick –
I’d apologize for the all-caps, but that’s actually how I feel about this book & I’m no longer conforming to others’ feelings. 😉
OK, that’s a bit of a joke based on the book, but I am completely serious about how this guide has changed my life.
I was always a people-pleaser, sacrificing everything including my own identity just so people would like me and/or not leave me. Of course, most of the time I didn’t realize what I was doing and why, but over the past six months I’ve been on a spiritual journey of self-discovery. This book was recommended to me by a dear friend on a similar journey.
This guide isn’t just a one-time read—although of course reading it through at least once is always good. But I’ve marked mine up w/flags, highlighting & pencil comments like a textbook, so I can refer to certain items as needed.
This world isn’t exactly built for is empaths and in many ways our lives are stacked against our sensitivities. But rather than blame everything around us for our unhappiness, etc, we can look within ourselves to understand why we feel and/or do what we do. This guide helps with that and encourages readers to continue (or start!) journeys of self-discovery.
It’s useful to look into past experiences for the purpose of learning lessons, but not to dwell on what we did, or should have, or could have done. This teaches you how to review past actions in an effort to learn from them while also guiding you towards present and future actions that are right for you.
Simply put, unlike a lot of other self-discovery or self-help books, this one isn’t about assigning blame. On the other hand, it encourages readers to take responsibility for their actions, their feelings and their lives. Once we learn how to make the choices that are in our highest good—without just being told what to do or just given the answers—that’s when our actions, feelings/emotions and lives begin to change.
I highly recommend this book to anyone ever told they’re “too sensitive,” or advised to “get a thicker skin.” But I also recommend it to anyone who has ever said or thought those things about someone else.
Empaths are amazing people with truly awesome gifts and perspectives. We empaths just need to learn how to manage our proclivities for our own highest good, which will send positive energy into the world around us.
This book is one of the essentials for your empath tool kit. 💟😊⭐️
Lina –
The title is true and i have never been so positive in a review before. Im tremendously grateful for the author for this gift. It has helped me so much as an empath to understand myself and the tools i have at hand. Thank you Judith.
Kofi Williams –
I always knew there was something different, yet special about me. For most of my life different meant “wrong.” My highly sensitive spirit struggled through life unknowingly absorbing other people’s energy, suffering a great deal emotionally and wondering why I was so drained and socially awkward despite a brilliant outward smile.
The Empath’s Survival Guide gave me insight and understanding into everything I’ve struggled with since early childhood in a profound and life-changing way. With the understanding I gained from this book I am able to forgive myself for past mistakes and to forgive others. It has also empowered me to make much healthier, guiltless decisions for self care and self preservation.
Dr. Orloff’s work has given me new life and insight into my unique powers as a HSP and an empath. Most importantly, she provides lots of techniques and processes throughout the book for self-care and self protection.
This book has given me a never before insight and understanding of what it truly means to be empathic and in doing so, Dr Orloff’s work has given me an in depth understanding of myself that no other helping profession could provide me.
I am eternally grateful to be able to come to terms with my own beautiful truth rather than the discomfort of attempting to be who and what others thought I should be.
If you are a highly sensitive empath, if you struggle to function in your world, if you feel isolated and misunderstood, if you want deeper self awareness, I strongly urge you to read The Empath’s Survival Guide. It will give you peace of mind, help you cultivate more self love, give yourself grace and equip you to face a world often not so kind to the kindhearted.
An Amazon Customer –
It is interesting that Judith Orloff starts off in her book, ‘The Empath’s Survival Guide’ in saying that empaths have a hyperactive mirror neuron system so that we are able to sense what other people are going through, and that narcissists have empathy deficient disorder. I say we have to be careful as empaths not to get pulled in by a narcissist. I have, and it takes a lot of time to undo it. Save yourself some time for more pleasant life experiences and really learn how to protect yourself as an empath. Dr Judith Orloff covers all aspects of how to do this in the book. You can purchase it as a book, as a kindle ebook or as an audio CD.
Dr. Orloff goes on to talk about how the medical system tries to diagnose empaths as having a disorder. No no no. It is not true. We have very healthy boundaries and are taking care of ourselves. Yes, we empaths almost always sense what is going on with people, and just have to continue to know there is nothing wrong with us, and continue setting those boundaries such as knowing when to leave when we start feeling overwhelmed around someone or a group of people. This is important for all aspects of our health.
I resonate with so many things Dr. Orloff mentioned in her book ‘The Empath’s Survival Guide’. One thing in particular is that she thought it was a good idea to take a separate car when going to an event or party. I always took a separate car when going to parties with someone to be able leave when I felt overwhelmed. I couldn’t stand small talk either. I took side streets, many of the things she mentions that empaths do.
I referred a couple of friends to this important book. One of them bought ‘The Empath’s Survival Guide’ thinking it is just what she needed because she has a client that doesn’t honor her boundaries and she needs help with that. She was so grateful I told her about it.
We as a society should be thinking about teaching this in schools before children go out into the world and it would help in interactions with other kids. Like Dr. Orloff, I too was scared of my own sensitivities in my childhood and tended to withdraw instead. So what did I do after High School? I worked for a Psychiatrist hoping I could also figure out what was wrong with me. I get more out of Dr. Ofloff’s lectures, radio interviews and books that help me now than I did then. Psychiatry has taken a more positive and personal stance, thankfully.
Read and reread this book, ‘The Empath’s Survival Guide, so that you don’t get yourself in situations you don’t want to be in and find an easier way to express yourself. You will be more at ease being an empath.
Enjoy!
Kathy SE
SLH –
Great book! Very affirming for Empaths
Cliente Amazon –
Fantástico. Vale a pena. Ensina a parte prática. Não apenas teorias. Torço para ter a versão em português
Amazon Customer –
As soon as I received it a read a few pages and I couldn’t stop laughing and understanding that I was not the only one and it is actually a pretty gift, now just need to learn how to manage it. It helped me also to understand my family members now, cause it seems that I was not the only weirdo in my family. It is a relief!
Chrissy Kelly –
This book felt like it was written directly for me. It not only explains what it means to be an empath but also gives practical tools for protecting your energy, setting boundaries, and navigating relationships without feeling drained. I appreciated how it mixes science, real examples, and actionable advice instead of just theory. It’s one of those books I’ll keep coming back to whenever I need a reminder that being sensitive is a strength, not a weakness.
SLH –
Fantástico. Vale a pena. Ensina a parte prática. Não apenas teorias. Torço para ter a versão em português
CMFitzpatrick –
I’d apologize for the all-caps, but that’s actually how I feel about this book & I’m no longer conforming to others’ feelings. 😉
OK, that’s a bit of a joke based on the book, but I am completely serious about how this guide has changed my life.
I was always a people-pleaser, sacrificing everything including my own identity just so people would like me and/or not leave me. Of course, most of the time I didn’t realize what I was doing and why, but over the past six months I’ve been on a spiritual journey of self-discovery. This book was recommended to me by a dear friend on a similar journey.
This guide isn’t just a one-time read—although of course reading it through at least once is always good. But I’ve marked mine up w/flags, highlighting & pencil comments like a textbook, so I can refer to certain items as needed.
This world isn’t exactly built for is empaths and in many ways our lives are stacked against our sensitivities. But rather than blame everything around us for our unhappiness, etc, we can look within ourselves to understand why we feel and/or do what we do. This guide helps with that and encourages readers to continue (or start!) journeys of self-discovery.
It’s useful to look into past experiences for the purpose of learning lessons, but not to dwell on what we did, or should have, or could have done. This teaches you how to review past actions in an effort to learn from them while also guiding you towards present and future actions that are right for you.
Simply put, unlike a lot of other self-discovery or self-help books, this one isn’t about assigning blame. On the other hand, it encourages readers to take responsibility for their actions, their feelings and their lives. Once we learn how to make the choices that are in our highest good—without just being told what to do or just given the answers—that’s when our actions, feelings/emotions and lives begin to change.
I highly recommend this book to anyone ever told they’re “too sensitive,” or advised to “get a thicker skin.” But I also recommend it to anyone who has ever said or thought those things about someone else.
Empaths are amazing people with truly awesome gifts and perspectives. We empaths just need to learn how to manage our proclivities for our own highest good, which will send positive energy into the world around us.
This book is one of the essentials for your empath tool kit. 💟😊⭐️
Creative Shopper –
This book validated me. All my life, I felt different and tried to explain my quirks and needs to my family, friends and husband. Issues with loud sounds, noise, light, crowds, parties, flying–being confined on a plane, malls, avoiding theaters and sporting events, the sample line at Costco, being overwhelmed and overstimulated, explainable crying or joy, donating my last dollar to a Food Bank or Animal Shelter….and needing a lot of alone time to recharge my batteries.
The first chapter explained and validated everything I have dealt with. The “Life Strategies” were really nothing new for me, because through the years I had found most of the solutions that worked for me. BUT I no longer had to explain or justify them.
My husband read the first chapter and scanned the rest of the book–and he saw ME. Finally, my extrovert husband (who likes parties, constant activities, noisy grandchildren, plays the car radio loud and turns on every light in the house) understands that I wasn’t being difficult or making this stuff up. Having him understand literally saved my marriage….he finally gives me the space and compassion to “let me be me”. And I have stopped struggling to be something I’m not…and honoring my social needs. I select the people I want to be around and keep his family and drama queens at a distance. I devote my energy to people and activities that “feed me” and my soul.
If you’ve ever felt different, overwhelmed by sights, sounds, people, need a lot of down time to recharge your batteries, hated people and drama–read this book. The validation was worth the cost.
An Amazon Customer –
I loved The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People!
It was so full of information and I learn by using as many senses as possible so I read it allowed from the book – seeing and hearing – and I took extensive notes. It was so informative I was taking too many notes; I eventually just highlighted or outlined in the book!
I particularly enjoyed learning how to Center and Protective myself and am practicing as much as I can. I am obese and for years I have tried to lose weight and what the underlying causes were but could not keep it off. Now I am centering and protecting myself for whatever reason and I feel protected! For the first time I believe I am going to be able to lose the weight, which I see now was a form of protection, and keep it off! I lost 41 lbs. last year and am planning on losing another 50 lbs. this year. This is just one little piece of the information shared in this amazing book!
The last two weeks I took the “Become an Intuitive Healer” Workshop, which was taking just one portion of the book, Working in Health Care and Other Helping Professions, in greater detail. It was wonderful to see and hear Dr. Orloff personally and to be able to participate, ask questions and see other’s questions, and to get answers from Dr. Orloff directly.
If you are a sensitive or empathic person, I recommend you get this book! Your life will be changed forever!
I have taken three workshops of Dr. Orloff’s since last year and loved them! If you want to go deeper than her books and get it directly from her, with a group of like-minded people, check out one of her workshops!
Cliente Amazon –
The title is true and i have never been so positive in a review before. Im tremendously grateful for the author for this gift. It has helped me so much as an empath to understand myself and the tools i have at hand. Thank you Judith.
Ashley Marie –
I like the insight of this book. I first heard about this book on a public radio station. The author did a brief explanation about energy vampires advised taking a shower and remove all the negative energy. I checked the book out from the library. The book was on hold at the library and on a waiting list. I figured the book was in demand. I didn’t have too much time to read it before the due date of the library so I decided to buy my own copy. I figured it’s worth the investment. I feel more empowered by reading this book. I applied some of the author’s steps into practice. I am more aware of my surroundings and conscious of the negative energies in my life. I slowly try to protect myself from the negative energies that sensitive people like me may feed off from. It’s an interesting book. I am glad I have my own copy. The library had the hardcover but I purchased the paperback. The book was reasonably priced. I’ve been into self-help books lately. I am also wary of them. I am careful to I make sure that I have some knowledge about the writer etc. before trying something new. It’s a good buy. In my opinion, this book helps the reader raise awareness of socially draining situations and helps empower a person to be in control of a potentially negative situation. I will look into other books as well. I like the book and I think you’ll be satisfied. I’ll try to submit images of the book when I get a chance. Enjoy
Amazon Customer –
Judith Orloff’s brave and wise words have helped so many people understand their lives, their skills and their needs. She has taught me that empaths have a precious gift which we need to cultivate, and that we also need to learn self-protection at the same time, in order to be able to use those gifts. The world needs more empaths, and Judith gives us the tools to use to shape ourselves into empowered people. She is encouraging, motivating and caring in her approach. This is one of the most important books I’ve ever read.
Michael Luikart –
My wife is enjoying the book. A better understanding of her gift. If you feel deeply and waves of emotions a must read,
Love My Bookish Life –
It is interesting that Judith Orloff starts off in her book, ‘The Empath’s Survival Guide’ in saying that empaths have a hyperactive mirror neuron system so that we are able to sense what other people are going through, and that narcissists have empathy deficient disorder. I say we have to be careful as empaths not to get pulled in by a narcissist. I have, and it takes a lot of time to undo it. Save yourself some time for more pleasant life experiences and really learn how to protect yourself as an empath. Dr Judith Orloff covers all aspects of how to do this in the book. You can purchase it as a book, as a kindle ebook or as an audio CD.
Dr. Orloff goes on to talk about how the medical system tries to diagnose empaths as having a disorder. No no no. It is not true. We have very healthy boundaries and are taking care of ourselves. Yes, we empaths almost always sense what is going on with people, and just have to continue to know there is nothing wrong with us, and continue setting those boundaries such as knowing when to leave when we start feeling overwhelmed around someone or a group of people. This is important for all aspects of our health.
I resonate with so many things Dr. Orloff mentioned in her book ‘The Empath’s Survival Guide’. One thing in particular is that she thought it was a good idea to take a separate car when going to an event or party. I always took a separate car when going to parties with someone to be able leave when I felt overwhelmed. I couldn’t stand small talk either. I took side streets, many of the things she mentions that empaths do.
I referred a couple of friends to this important book. One of them bought ‘The Empath’s Survival Guide’ thinking it is just what she needed because she has a client that doesn’t honor her boundaries and she needs help with that. She was so grateful I told her about it.
We as a society should be thinking about teaching this in schools before children go out into the world and it would help in interactions with other kids. Like Dr. Orloff, I too was scared of my own sensitivities in my childhood and tended to withdraw instead. So what did I do after High School? I worked for a Psychiatrist hoping I could also figure out what was wrong with me. I get more out of Dr. Ofloff’s lectures, radio interviews and books that help me now than I did then. Psychiatry has taken a more positive and personal stance, thankfully.
Read and reread this book, ‘The Empath’s Survival Guide, so that you don’t get yourself in situations you don’t want to be in and find an easier way to express yourself. You will be more at ease being an empath.
Enjoy!
Kathy SE
Sulfolobus –
The book has scientific references, but at the same time it adress an holistic point of view. I saw myself in many sentences.
wanderlust –
This book has changed my life in a million ways and I now need to own all of the author’s books! I found my first copy at a thrift store and I have told everyone about it. If you have ever been told, you’re too sensitive and you find yourselves taking on people’s problems, including physical ailments, this book is for you. Judith does an excellent job describing who an Empath is as well as using dozens of strategies to help one exist in a sometimes not so Empath friendly world. She explains how to deal with energy vampires, toxic people and how to exist without losing yourself. Don’t get me wrong, I also go to 12 step CoDA meetings to practice boundaries and healthy relationships but this book is an excellent accompaniment. I have highlighted the crap out of this book and will use it forever as a guide. This copy is for a fellow Empath friend who is suffering with horrible migraines. Energy is real and Judith does an excellent job at explaining the effects of it while also providing her own experiences as an empath as well as a doctor with her patients. I have watched hundreds of YouTube videos on narcissists and mostly people say “be a grey rock”. Well, that isn’t always possible if you’re dealing with close family or coworkers. I can’t recommend this book more and it is literally an answer to my prayers! Please keep the books/information coming Judith.
Judith Morris –
This book was recommended to me by a friend. The way she spoke of it compelled me to buy it. I have since recommended it to others.
For years I thought I was some kind of oddity in life. Too sensitive and even perhaps anti-social. Having read this wonderful book I know appreciate that the way I am in life is due to the fact that I’m an empath. The author writes in such a way that we empaths are able to appreciate our many qualities rather than judging ourselves for being unusual. She also provides coping strategies for dealing with situations that challenge us.
Since buying this book I have revisited sections of it again and again, just to remind myself, it’s OK to be sensitive, it’s OK to be me.
Love My Bookish Life –
An excellent guide to the curious, wonderful, confusing, exciting, anxiety inducing world of being an empath. This book helped explain so much, helps you to assess your level of empath tendencies, & gives good basic guidelines and tools on how to deal with that. There is no one size fits all book. This book may be the perfect fit for you, or it may just have a few good useful tools.
Chrissy Kelly –
I loved The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People!
It was so full of information and I learn by using as many senses as possible so I read it allowed from the book – seeing and hearing – and I took extensive notes. It was so informative I was taking too many notes; I eventually just highlighted or outlined in the book!
I particularly enjoyed learning how to Center and Protective myself and am practicing as much as I can. I am obese and for years I have tried to lose weight and what the underlying causes were but could not keep it off. Now I am centering and protecting myself for whatever reason and I feel protected! For the first time I believe I am going to be able to lose the weight, which I see now was a form of protection, and keep it off! I lost 41 lbs. last year and am planning on losing another 50 lbs. this year. This is just one little piece of the information shared in this amazing book!
The last two weeks I took the “Become an Intuitive Healer” Workshop, which was taking just one portion of the book, Working in Health Care and Other Helping Professions, in greater detail. It was wonderful to see and hear Dr. Orloff personally and to be able to participate, ask questions and see other’s questions, and to get answers from Dr. Orloff directly.
If you are a sensitive or empathic person, I recommend you get this book! Your life will be changed forever!
I have taken three workshops of Dr. Orloff’s since last year and loved them! If you want to go deeper than her books and get it directly from her, with a group of like-minded people, check out one of her workshops!
Susan F –
Great book! Very affirming for Empaths
Jenny luvs –
As soon as I received it a read a few pages and I couldn’t stop laughing and understanding that I was not the only one and it is actually a pretty gift, now just need to learn how to manage it. It helped me also to understand my family members now, cause it seems that I was not the only weirdo in my family. It is a relief!
Frank M. Tedesco –
I bought this hardcover from Amazon two years ago a week, May 2018. I didn’t get around to reading it to now. I shouldn’t have delayed. I think I was afraid to deal with the multiple insights into my “sensitive, empathic” self that the book provided. I finally perused it slowly, absorbing Dr. Orloff’s reflections on herself and her many “empath” patients. As a kind of proud, somewhat macho, hetero male- but at heart, a rather defensive, cry baby, I found the book (end-of) life-changing. Too bad I didn’t read it earlier, I don’t have very many years left at age 74. I have strongly recommended it to my wife, daughter, and friends. Other reviewers have reiterated the contents of the Guide. The Protection Strategies are real-life gems of practical wisdom.
I suggest all readers watch talks and interviews given by Judith at Google, PBS with Barry Kibrick and others. See her website drjudithorloff.com. She is easy to listen to, familiar, a friend, a wise mentor. Like all of us, she’s not perfect, and she admits it. Some of her Amazon critics are way over the top; someoffer useful critiques. Relax. There is a little “L.A.” in all of us empaths. That’s what makes her so endearing and approachable as an MD. A shrink who looks like Barbara Streisand- sans make-up, very natural.
We need Dr. Orloff’s techniques for shaking off the stress and pervasive grief of our Covid-19 era. As a Buddhist hospice & prison spiritual care adviser and Red Cross disaster spiritual care associate, I find Judith’s Taoist-like simplicity free of pretension and metaphysical presumptions.
Full disclosure: She suggested I review one of her books to attend an Online Community Support for Empaths. Very wise homework, indeed, since I needed the incentive to actually face myself in her Survival Guide.
Jeri Lynn Portrait Photography –
I am an avid reader of Judith Orloff’s writings, and listener of her speaking! I have always known I was an empath, but after experiencing an empathic illness last year when my friend had cancer, I was moved to attend Judith’s workshop in Big Sur to try and find out how to deal with this ‘gift’ that has been given to me. At the time, it honestly did not feel like a gift.
I have read all of her other books and this is the latest and greatest. Everything that I’ve ever known and learned about being an empath was addressed in this book. This truly is a survival guide. It brings everything together into one place and sorts it all out with these wonderful how-to lists.
I tend to use food to build my armor, to keep me protected from the feelings of the world. After the death of my daughter almost 14 years ago, a couple of relationship fails, several other deaths of people I care about and most recently, my pending divorce, I’ve been flailing around for a while and feeling rudderless.
Most of the info in this book I knew instinctively, and from years of therapy and Al-Anon, but it’s been hard for me to put it all together and pull myself together. Now I feel like my thoughts are more organized and I’m able to move forward.
I’ve been wanting to start a support group for years and I think it’s time to do that.
If you are an empath you must read this book! Judith covers every issue I could have possibly thought of, and there were even some I hadn’t thought of!!
This is by far my favorite, and it’s always a pleasure, the way that Judith puts her own life experience into her works!!!