Living as an Empath in an Overwhelming World with Dr. Judith Orloff

Do you leave social gatherings feeling utterly drained, as if you've absorbed everyone else's stress, sadness, or tension? Do you find yourself constantly over-helping or trying to "fix" others, only to end up exhausted? Or do everyday stimuli like bright lights, loud noises, or scratchy fabrics overwhelm you in ways others simply don't understand? If these resonate, you may be navigating life as a highly sensitive person, an empath, or both. In this episode of The Language of Love Conversations, I sit down with Dr. Judith Orloff, a UCLA-trained psychiatrist, empath, and New York Times bestselling author. Known as the "godmother of the empath movement," she beautifully bridges science, intuition, and energy medicine. Her acclaimed books include The Empath’s Survival Guide, The Genius of Empathy, Emotional Freedom, and her new children’s book, The Highly Sensitive Rabbit. We explore what it truly means to be an empath (and how it differs from being highly sensitive), why empaths are frequently misdiagnosed with sensory processing disorder, and why this growing wave of sensitive souls is precisely what our world needs right now. Dr. Orloff shares her personal journey growing up in a medical family that dismissed her intuitive gifts and how she learned to honor them instead of suppressing them. This empowering conversation covers practical tools to protect your energy, set heart-centered boundaries, and thrive without closing your heart. We discuss raising empathic children in an overwhelming world, the connection between unacknowledged sensitivity and issues like addiction or autoimmune conditions, and simple daily practices like breathwork, earthing, grounding, visualization, and energetic cord-cutting (when you're truly ready). We dive deep into: The true meaning of being an empath vs. a highly sensitive person Different types of empaths and their unique experiences Why empaths are often misdiagnosed (with anxiety, depression, sensory processing issues, or physical illness) The profound gifts of empathy How emotional and physical energies get absorbed and how to release them Essential boundaries, grounding, and shielding techniques The power (and caution) of energetic cord-cutting Why there are more empaths today than ever before, including links to trauma and the rise of "adult-onset" empaths Raising empathic and highly sensitive children and why they need space to thrive How empathic children may soon lead the world Spotting empathic traits in kids (even though all children have some empathy) Coping with overwhelm through addictions vs. healthier self-care paths Empaths in relationships: avoiding love-bombing, narcissists, and learning to voice your needs Five essential daily practices to stay grounded as an empath If you’re feeling drawn to Judith’s work, explore her classic The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People (with its invaluable self-assessment quiz) and her empowering new children’s book The Highly Sensitive Rabbit, a tender story to help young sensitive hearts feel seen and strong. Connect with Dr. Judith Orloff at drjudithorloff.com for blogs, workshops, her empath support newsletter, and more resources on intuition and energy healing. Looking for more insight? Check out these powerful reads: The Genius of Empathy by Judith Orloff and Quantum Love. And if you’re craving even more guidance, be sure to visit my website, where you’ll find free resources tailored to support your unique journey. Are You an Empath? Take Dr. Judith Orloff’s 20-Question Self-Assessment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices