Judith Orloff Pioneers Empathy and Intuition in Psychiatry and Healing

Exploring Empathy, Healing, And The Power Of Letting Go

Judith Orloff, MD discusses her journey balancing science and intuition, offers tools for empaths, and shares insights on transforming emotions, cultivating energy, and embracing surrender in a chaotic world.

Judith Orloff, MD, stands as a luminous figure in the world of psychiatry and healing, a pioneer whose work bridges the realms of science, intuition, and empathy. Renowned for reshaping how we perceive mental and emotional wellness, Dr. Orloff has woven her extraordinary gifts into a body of work that celebrates the connection between physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Known as the “godmother of the empath movement,” her insights have illuminated the path for countless empaths, helping them navigate the modern world with strength, self-care, and purpose. Her wisdom resonates on global stages, from TEDx platforms to esteemed institutions like UCLA, where she mentors psychiatric residents, and on the pages of internationally acclaimed publications such as The New York Times, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal.

Her literary achievements are equally impressive, with titles that have transformed lives and earned wide recognition. The Genius of Empathy, featuring a Foreword by the Dalai Lama, is a masterful guide on harnessing empathy as a superpower. The Empath’s Survival Guide has become a seminal resource for sensitive individuals navigating a noisy and demanding world, while Thriving as an Empath and The Empath’s Empowerment Journal further enrich our understanding of these remarkable gifts. Additionally, her children’s book, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit, brilliantly supports young empaths in embracing their sensitivity as a strength. Across all her writings—whether charting hope in Positive Energy, teaching transformational tools in Emotional Freedom, or chronicling the power of letting go in The Power of Surrender—Dr. Orloff offers not only healing but profound empowerment.

Described by Nation magazine as one of health’s “frontier people,” Dr. Orloff exemplifies a courage and depth that inspire all who encounter her. As you delve into this exclusive interview with Reader’s House, prepare to engage with an extraordinary healer, teacher, and storyteller whose work embodies the delicate yet dynamic balance of intellect, compassion, and visionary leadership. Dr. Orloff’s journey serves as a testament to the boundless possibilities that emerge when we embrace our authentic selves and live with empathy at the heart of our existence.

How did you first realize that you had intuitive and empathic abilities, and how did you integrate them into your psychiatric practice?

I was an empathic and intuitive only child who was raised by two physician-parents. I have twenty-five physicians in my family. So, I grew up in a linear and rational family. As a child, I would intuitively sense things about my parents’ friends such as “I don’t trust them” or “this person feels unhappy to me although they are smiling.” I also could sense subtle energies in different locations. For instance, I couldn’t go to shopping malls or crowded places without getting anxious or exhausted. I didn’t realize that as an empath I was an emotional sponge for stress, especially in crowds. My ordinarily loving mother responded, “Dear, you don’t have a thick enough skin” and forbade me to mention my intuitions at home. I grew up believing something was wrong with me. My healing path has been blending the worlds of science and intuition, a journey I chronicle in my memoir Second Sight. My upcoming book The Highly Sensitive Rabbit helps children and their parents release shame about being sensitive and embrace their gifts.  

“I was an empathic and intuitive only child who was raised by two physician-parents.” – Judith Orloff

What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about empaths, and how can they better understand their unique strengths?

Empaths are highly empathic people who tend to absorb the world’s stress into their bodies, which can be exhausting. Empaths have many gifts. They are intuitive, loving, feel connected to nature and animals, and they care about humankind. They are natural givers and make caring friends, co-workers and mates. Common misconceptions about empaths include that they are weak; they’re often bullied as children and called “cry babies,” a theme I explore in The Highly Sensitive Rabbit. Another misconception is that empathy removes critical thinking. Others can better understand empaths by realizing that a well-balanced person can tap into both empathy and reason. Being an empath doesn’t mean that you’re “too sensitive.” Sensitivity becomes a great gift if it is balanced with the gift of reason. 

“As an empath, I was an emotional sponge for stress, especially in crowds.” – Judith Orloff

Your book The Empath’s Survival Guide offers strategies for sensitive people to protect their energy. What are some quick daily practices empaths can use to avoid emotional exhaustion?  

Some quick daily protection practices from the book include: 

      Setting healthy boundaries. Saying “no” is a complete sentence. If you say “no” with politeness and kindness “no” can be better heard. Just because a person has many needs       doesn’t mean you have to meet them. 

Take alone time to regroup. Empaths are prone to hyper-stimulation and emotional overload. They must decompress regularly in a quiet, peaceful place to prevent sensory overload. 

Take a few deep breaths in stressful situations. Deep breathing relaxes the body and helps an empath center themselves in demanding situations. 

Replenish yourself in nature. Empaths often love nature and feel at ease there. Being in a fresh natural setting such as a park or the ocean relaxes you and clears negativity.

 In Emotional Freedom, you discuss transforming negative emotions into positive ones. What is the first step someone can take when they feel overwhelmed by negativity?

First, pay attention to when you feel overwhelmed. Take “a sacred pause.” Don’t tackle a problem in this state. Find a quiet place and regroup. For instance, if you’re worried. Realize that worrying doesn’t work—it only creates more anxiety. So, focus on being in the Now, and center yourself. Practice self-empathy rather than beating yourself up. Tell yourself “It’s been a long day. I’’ll get a good night’s sleep and address this problem tomorrow.”  

“When you proudly present yourself who embraces different points of view it inspires others to take risks, and live more brave, authentic lives.” – Judith Orloff

How can individuals cultivate positive energy in a world that often feels chaotic and draining?

When you wake up in the morning focus on what you have to be grateful for rather than what frustrates or overwhelms you. Keep a gratitude journal. Write a gratitude list. Perhaps you’re grateful for your health, your job, your family. Even if the world is falling apart there’s always something to be grateful for.

 Don’t become addicted to the world’s chaos and negativity. Take regular news fasts for at least a few hours.. Find ways you can help someone, how you can be kind to yourself, and how you can enjoy the day and be grateful for your life. Spread love everywhere you go. Empathy and compassion are key values to remember in this chaotic time.

Many people struggle with letting go and surrendering control. How can they learn to embrace surrender in their daily lives?

Whether you surrender a little or a lot you’ll experience more passion and power. Surrender means letting go, trusting the flow of life rather than trying to overcontrol it. If you keep trying to “make things” happen but have reached a block, it’s time to surrender. Realize that you cannot control everything. Don’t try to force things when a door is shut. Step back and let life unfold to reveal the answer you are looking for. 

What advice would you give to other authors who want to blend personal experience, spirituality, and scientific research in their writing?

I encourage other authors to blend the powerful elements into your writing. My audience has expressed such gratitude that I was able to “come out” openly as an empath and a conventionally trained physician. As authors, we can be role models for our readers and inspire them to be their best selves. It’s okay to take risks in your writing. When you proudly present yourself who embraces different point of view it inspires others to take risks, and live more brave, authentic lives.