Being an empath can be very emotionally draining. But, with the right training, it’s possible to harness your heightened emotions for the better.
Learning more about it involves understanding what type of empath you are and then teaching your emotions to work for you.
If you want to learn more about being an empath, here are some of the best titles to get you started.
The Best Books for Empaths
1. The Empath’s Survival Guide by Judith Orloff
Dr Orloff is a world-leading figure in the study of empaths. Her book outlines the difference between standard empathy and being an empath, which is important for knowing how to harness sensitive emotions.
It includes definitions for the standard categories and exercises to learn more about your empath type. It builds on these with tools and strategies to avoid burnout, sensory overload, and to provide protection from harmful personality types.
As a “survival guide”, the book teaches what many would consider to be basic coping strategies. Therefore, it’s ideal for anyone new to the topic but might be a bit vague for anyone already familiar with the subject.
Pros
- Simple, clear language
- Written by an industry expert
- Contains various exercises and strategies
Cons
- Too simplistic for anyone familiar with the topic
2. Sensitive is the New Strong by Anita Moorjani
Sensitive is the New Strong bases its argument on the positivity of empathy. It views empaths as a much-needed part of society, but equally understands that people may take advantage of their extra sensitive emotions.
It’s designed to help empaths understand who they are and what makes them unique. To do this, it provides exercises and tools to identify themselves and what makes them an empath.
Moorjani speaks from personal experience, which helps make the book feel empathetic. It speaks in a sensitive and understanding way, making it easier to digest for people who might see their empathy as a negative.
Understandably, the book discusses energy and auras in relation to emotions. While this is symptomatic of the topic, some might find it the wrong kind of language for understanding themselves.
Pros
- Written sensitively for empaths
- Contains exercises and tools
- Moorjani comes from personal experience
Cons
- Language might put some readers off
3. Belonging Here: A Guide for the Spiritually Sensitive Person by Judith Blackstone
Dr Blackstone is a practising psychotherapist who focuses on spiritual awakening and healing. This process, which she calls the Realization Process, is the basis of this book.
Unlike other titles in this category, Blackstone uses the term “spiritually sensitive” rather than empath. She discusses sensitivity to others’ spirits rather than emotions, but it’s largely the same information.
The book is divided into 5 challenges, each with its own exercise for overcoming its limitations. These include strengthening boundaries, understanding compassion, and staying grounded. It takes a different approach to other empath books but is helpful nonetheless.
However, its biggest pro might also be its biggest con. To appreciate its teachings, you must be a spiritual person, or at least acknowledge spirituality. If not, this isn’t the book for you.
Pros
- Informed by Blackstone’s psychotherapy practice
- Geared towards spirituality rather than standard empathy
- Divided into 5 clear sections with exercises
Cons
- You should be a spiritual person to find it useful
4. Thriving as an Empath: 365 Days of Empowering Self-Care Practices by Judith Orloff
As a leader in the field of empaths, it’s no surprise that Dr Orloff has another entry on a list of best books. While the above title focuses on defining your empath type, this book provides a year’s worth of exercises.
They focus on setting boundaries, avoiding sensory overload, protecting against stress, and more. There is an exercise for each day, which also helps you get into the rhythm of practising self-care.
Understandably, Thriving as an Empath caters more towards people who already know they’re empaths and want to better understand their emotions. As a result, if you’re new to the topic, it’s worth starting with a more entry-level text.
The only real critique of this book is Orloff’s reliance on spirituality at some points. While this often aligns with being an empath, not everyone who is an empath is spiritual. Even so, it’s a useful text for those wanting to practice better self-care.
Pros
- Appropriate next-level book for empaths
- Written by a leader in the field
- Offers daily exercises for better practice of self-care
Cons
- Sometimes falls into spirituality, which isn’t everyone’s desired way of learning
5. Awakened Empath: The Ultimate Guide to Emotional, Psychological and Spiritual Healing by Aletheia Luna and Mateo Sol
This is another entry-level text in the field of empaths. Unlike other books, it provides different understandings of empaths, including psychological, spiritual, and shamanic.
While this might not be everyone’s starting point, its different perspectives offer a novel approach to being an empath that you won’t find elsewhere. Again, it relies quite heavily on the language of spiritualism.
Along with understanding empaths, it defines negative personality types, including narcissists and emotional vampires. It argues that empaths must avoid these people, as they can drain energy much faster than others.
Finally, the book moves into healing practices to help empaths thrive. It breaks these into physical, mental, and emotional realms, arguing that you need to heal all three to heal overall.
The only major downside is that, by providing so many perspectives, the book doesn’t get into too much depth. However, it’s a good starting point for those new to the field.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of definitions
- Provides exercises and coping strategies
- Tackles empathy from different perspectives
Cons
- Possibly too broad
Summary
Learning how to embrace emotional sensitivity can improve overall wellbeing and make you better at dealing with other people’s emotions.
While you might not be a spiritual person, many books on this topic use its language as a way of understanding concepts. Therefore, you must be willing to appreciate spirituality to a degree.
But, if you can, any one of these books will be a great starting point.