Have people told you that you are an empath? Have you heard the concept of a “highly sensitive person”and wondered what exactly it meant? There is not a single definition of an empath or highly sensitive person. However, there are typical characteristics of people who might identify in this category.

What is an Empath?

An empath is a person who is very aware of the feelings and emotions of those around them. Empaths feel what another person, animal, or spirit is feeling at a deep emotional level. Some people refer to empaths as “emotional empaths.”

Signs you’re an Empath.

There is not a test to determine if you are an empath. There are a few signs that can help you determine if you are a highly sensitive person. At the end of the day though, you are the only person who can determine if you identify with being an empath.

• Empathy

  Empaths are more aware of other’s feelings and emotions more than the average person. Empaths are able to draw out other people’s emotions on a different level than most people. This can sometimes without even asking! It feels like people are drawn to them.

• Intuition

  Empaths also tend to have a great sense of intuition. They have a strong gut sense of what is going on in the world and with others. When empaths go against their gut sense when making decisions, they always regret it.

• Attunement

  Highly sensitive people are very attuned or aware of how other people, animals, or spirits feel. This can happen even when they do not want to be. They pick up on subtle information or cues in people’s body language, speech, and tone.

• Caring

  Empaths are empathetic and aware to the needs of others. This also means that they care a lot about the people around them. They are often described as tender, warm-hearted, good listeners, and giving individuals. Sometimes, empaths can have a hard time setting boundaries because they care so much about others.

• Sensitivity

  Empaths are sensitive to other people’s emotions. They are also sensitive the environmental including sounds, smells, tastes, sights. Some people might not notice the things that empaths are sensitive to. To an empath, a slight touch might feel like an abrasive nudge; a dim light might seem like a bright beam; a quiet hum might sound like a fire alarm. As a result, empaths can be upset by noises, lights, or scents that others are not. For empaths, it may be hard to explain this to others. They also have to adjust their environment to fit their sensory needs.

Empaths and Anxiety.

Very often, individuals who identify as empaths or highly sensitive people have anxiety. They can be like sponges and influenced by other people’s moods, thoughts, and feelings. They then internalize these external things which can create anxiety. Empaths are also hypersensitive to emotions. It’s important to note that not every empath experiences anxiety.

Triggers for Empaths.

There is not a one-size-fits-all guide for empaths. There are a few common triggers that people who identify as empaths can relate to!

• Witnessing Others People’s Pain And Suffering: Empaths are very aware of other people’s emotions, needs, and fears. When they notice that people are in pain or suffering (even if it is on TV!), it can be hard for them. This can leave them feeling emotionally and/or physically drained.

• Feeling Worthless: When an empath feels worthless, they can easily get overwhelmed by negative emotions.

• Too Much Intimacy: Empaths (like most humans) crave connection with others. Too much connection can create a sense of overload because they can feel swamped by their partner’s needs. They become overwhelmed by their partner’s emotions. They can no longer separate their own desires from their partners.
  

Is there an Empath Test?

Is there one definitive test though that determines if someone is an empath… NO

An empath is not a clinical diagnosis.

There are online quizzes people can take to help determine if they fit the typical behaviors or characteristics of empaths or highly sensitive people.

Am I an Empath or “just Sensitive?”

Some people wonder if they are an empath or if what they are experiencing is just “sensitivity.” Since there is no official test or questionnaire to determine if someone is an empath, you get to decide this for yourself.

Questions to consider are the following:

• What would it mean if I were to label myself as an empath?

• What is the impact of seeing myself as an empath compared to being sensitive?

• What are my stereotypes or misconceptions about being an empath?

• Is there a specific reason I do not want to identify as an empath? 

How to Stop Being an Empath.

As an empath counselor, sometimes clients ask me how to stop being an empath because they feel like it is a “curse.” They feel like they always need to help those around them and struggle with setting boundaries. They feel like their empathy is a burden. They feel overwhelmed and like they can’t “turn off their empathy for others.”

People cannot completely stop being an empath and the focus of empath counseling is not to change who you are. However, there are ways that can help people reduce some of the stressors of being a highly sensitive person.

1. Learn to differentiate between what you are feeling and what other people are feeling 

2. Curiosity, curiosity, curiosity

3. Grounding Techniques

4. Increase self-awareness

5. Set boundaries with others

Meet with an Empath Counselor in Michigan Today!

Want to start on the journey to understanding yourself better? Here at Embodied Wellness, PLLC, we believe that we can help you grow as an individual with therapy for empaths. Our group of experienced and caring therapists can work with you to help create the best version of yourself and live a great life. Looking for different types of treatment? We also specialize in other services such as Somatic therapy, DBT therapy and EMDR. Our expert therapists focus on depression treatment, anxiety treatment, trauma therapy and PTSD treatment. Get the help you need by contacting us today at our Detroit-based practice!