What Is an Empath? Traits and Types of Empaths

An empath is a sensitive person who takes on the feelings of others on a deep level. They quickly understand how someone else is feeling, and they almost always try to help—often to the detriment of their own well-being.

Empaths may find it difficult to spend time with many others at once, especially if those people are in the midst of experiencing negative emotions. While being an empath has its challenges, it is a positive trait: Empaths love to help others, make great listeners, and provide a constant source of support for their loved ones.

An empath is often confused with a highly sensitive person (HSP), but the two aren’t the same. Both types of people are in tune with emotions, so they may have similar personality traits. However empaths feel more than just the emotions of others; many empaths can sense physical symptoms or have intense intuition.

Use this list of common characteristics to know if you or a loved one is an empath:

• A dislike crowds: Since an empath takes on the emotions of those around them, a large group of people can overwhelm them. In some cases, big crowds can even lead an empath to having a panic attack.
• Ability to have deep conversations: People feel safe confiding opinions and problems with empaths, since an empath’s deep level of empathy makes it possible for them to understand a variety of perspectives without judgment.
• A need for alone time: Many empaths identify as introverts, so they need alone time to recuperate and reset their feelings.
• Prioritization of others: Highly empathetic people prioritize the needs of others, which can lead to them avoiding conflict (to protect others’ feelings) and lacking self-care practices (because they are so drained after helping others).
• Sensory sensitivity: Empaths receive an influx of emotions, so additional sensory stimulation (bright lights, loud sounds) overwhelms them.

There are many different types of empaths, each with their own unique characteristics. Read about the most common types of empaths here:

1. 1. Animal empath: Animal empaths (also called fauna empaths) understand the wants and needs of animals. They may even feel as though they can communicate telepathically with animals.
2. 2. Dream empath: Dream empaths have high sensitivity to dreams (both theirs and others) and can find meaning in dreams.
3. 3. Earth empath: Earth empaths are in tune with changes to Earth, its weather, the solar system, and the universe. More specifically, geomantic empaths sense large movements in the Earth, including natural disasters.
4. 4. Emotional empath: Emotional empaths feel the emotions of others on a deep level, in part by reading facial expressions and body language. They often feel as though they have experienced the emotions of others, and therefore, they easily feel drained.
5. 5. Heyoka empath: Heyoka empaths are one of the rarest and most powerful kind of empath. The term “heyoka” comes from Indigenous tribes of the Great Plains of North America and means “sacred clown.” This type of empath challenges conventional norms and mirrors the emotions of others, causing them to see things differently.
6. 6. Intuitive empath: An intuitive empath (also called claircognizant) has an exceptionally strong intuition. They can enter a room for the first time and immediately sense the underlying vibes of the people and present situation.
7. 7. Physical empath: Physical empaths feel people’s physical symptoms in their own body (much like emotional empaths experience other people’s feelings). Empaths may feel the physical pain of others due to this intense physical empathy.
   
8. 8. Plant empath: A plant empath (also called a flora empath) senses the needs of plants around them. Much like an animal empaths find themselves working with or owning animals, plant empaths may feel called to work with plants.
9. 9. Precognitive empath: Precognitive empaths can sense the future. They may see future events in their dreams or sense them through heightened emotions or premonitions.
10. 10. Psychometric empath: A psychometric empath senses emotions and energy from objects. They may be able to relate objects to specific people, locations, or events.
11. 11. Telepathic empath: Telepathic empaths have a special connection that allows them to read people’s thoughts.

As an empath, you may struggle with your mental health and have a hard time setting healthy boundaries. Use these tips to learn to protect your energy:

• Choose with whom you spend time. Since you take on the emotions and potentially negative energy of others, be aware with whom who you spend the most time. Narcissists, overly negative people, and those with poor emotional intelligence can particularly drain empaths, so they may not make the best people with whom to get into intimate relationships.
• Journal. Journaling is a great way to unload your feelings and distinguish your own emotions from those of others. It will lighten your load and help reduce some of the anxiety that comes with being an empath.
• Make time to reset. Most empaths need alone time to recharge their energy levels, so make sure you take time to yourself before and after socializing.
• Practice meditation. Meditation is a great way to improve your ability to be present and calm in overwhelming situations. If you’re an empath that gets overwhelmed by sensory input and crowds, you may find meditation particularly helpful.
• Set boundaries. Start by setting small boundaries, especially if you find it difficult to establish boundaries so you can be of service to others. Try saying “no” to plans with others once a week or schedule time for self-care activities (like taking a walk).
• Spend time in nature. Nature can make you feel grounded. It’s also a great place for sensitive people to peacefully recharge.

Practicing empathy can help you lead more effectively while building stronger relationships across the personal and professional facets of your life. Challenge your perceptions with the MasterClass Annual Membership and take lessons on emotional intelligence from Pharrell Williams, Roxane Gay, Gloria Steinem, Dr. Cornel West, Walter Mosley, Robert Reffkin, and Robin Arzón.