Amid the demands of social services work, the staff at Jewish Family Service of Tidewater recently gained valuable insights and inspiration during a seminar led by Dr. Louise B. Lubin, a distinguished clinical psychologist with 40 years of experience.
With a focus on self-love, compassion, and burnout, Dr. Lubin offered a deeply empathetic perspective drawn from her career in adult, marital, and family therapy. The session took place on Thursday, May 1.
Drawing from her book, Many Paths to Healing, she shared a poignant passage that resonated with many in the room:
“Life is not fair. People do not always get what they deserve. Bad things happen to good people. It is up to me to sort out how I am going to accept what is, rather than focusing on what should be. Staying stuck in blame toward others or myself keeps me from living more fully with an open heart and compassion.”
The quote encapsulates the core of Lubin’s message: the path to healing begins with acceptance and is sustained by kindness—especially toward oneself.
During the seminar, Lubin introduced the concept of “warming up” self-talk, a simple yet profound shift in how individuals can nurture themselves mentally and emotionally. She encouraged participants to ask: What would I say to a dear friend? What would I like to hear that would allow me to rest and relax? What do I need?
These questions, Lubin explained, help redirect the often-critical internal dialogue toward one that is affirming and restorative.
Lubin is a retired faculty member of Eastern Virginia Medical School and a lifetime member of leading national psychology organizations. Her “Many Paths to Healing” programs have helped patients build emotional resilience across hospitals and medical practices, offering patients vital tools for emotional resilience in the face of chronic or life-threatening illness.
Reflecting on the significance of Lubin’s visit, Kelly Burroughs, CEO of JFS, says, “Dr. Lubin reminded us that in order to heal others, we have to care for ourselves. It was great for our staff to hear about self-care from such an experienced professional.”
At JFS, where the mission is to promote quality of life through services rooted in the tradition of Judaism, Dr. Lubin’s message served as a vital reminder: compassion must begin at home, within ourselves.
To learn more, visit Dr. Lousie Lubin’s website at manypathstohealing.com.
Dr. Louise Lubin inspires JFS staff with message of self-compassion and resilience
