Barbara Rubel

Barbara Rubel is a leading authority and author on compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, moral injury, empathic distress, and life-loss balance. As a dynamic speaker, Barbara motivates audiences to build their resilience to mitigate the impact of vicarious trauma.

•A FABULOUS Framework for Wellness: 8 Elements of Resilience

Three weeks prior to Barbara Rubel giving birth to triplets, her father died by suicide. Her story was feathered in the Emmy award winning documentary, Fatal Mistakes, Families Shattered by Suicide narrated by Mariette Hartley.

Barbara Rubel MA, BCETS, DAAETS has pioneered a unique approach to addressing traumatic loss and vicarious trauma by bringing a deep understanding of thanatology and personal resilience to her work. Audiences learn a practical method to better serve those who are traumatically bereaved while focusing on their own self-care.

Barbara Rubel is a professional speaker and trainer for corporations, conferences, universities, and for government agencies. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and dynamic trainer whose list of clients span more than 500 organizations.

With refreshing clarity and humor, her speaking engagements are designed to give audiences powerful and practical strategies that can be implemented immediately.

Barbara is a Board-Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress and Diplomate with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. She received a bachelor of science in psychology and a master of arts degree in community health, with a concentration in thanatology, both from Brooklyn College.

Barbara is the author of the book, But I Didn’t Say Goodbye: Helping Families After a Suicide (3rd ed.). (2020). She is the author of the widely acclaimed 30-hour continuing education course book for Nurses, Loss, Grief, and Bereavement: Helping Individuals Cope (4th ed.), sold through Western Schools.

Barbara is also the co-author of the Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime Training Curriculum, Compassion Fatigue/Vicarious Trauma. She is a contributing writer to Thin Threads: Grief and Renewal; Open to Hope’s Fresh Grief; Coaching for Results: Expert Advice from 25 Top International Coaches; Keys to a Good Life: Wisdom to Unlock Your Power Within; and Remembering Our Angels.

Barbara is a consultant with the Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center (OVCTTAC).

Barbara Rubel’s motivating programs for clinicians, victim services providers, first responders, and educators, focus on building resilience and self-care. Barbara’s humorous and upbeat style offers a delightful composite of experience, research and practical application that promotes self-compassion and wellness.