Four Ways to Cope as an Empath

Psychic empathy is the ability to merge with the energy fields of other people, living beings, or even inanimate objects and whole ecosystems. Empaths process the energy of others through their own energetic and physical bodies.

Overactive empathy has been shown to correlate with childhood trauma or neglect. Some researchers believe that a child may develop heightened sensitivity as a way of trying to appease her primary caregivers, in order to tune in to them and finding the best strategy of behavior. This is a survival mechanism, but it leads to hypervigilance, anxiety and a pattern of codependent relationships in adults.

In this article, I suggest four ways for empaths to protect themselves from an emotional overload.

Awareness

Becoming aware of our empathic gifts is the first step to protecting our energy field more effectively. It is very validating to realize that most of what we are feeling is not even our “stuff”. Many empaths have been drifting in the sea of emotions and thoughts that are not even their own, constantly suffering from fatigue and overwhelm.

The first step is to bring awareness to our feelings and triggers. What causes me to become more open energetically? Is it pain and emotions of others? Is it anger or someone offending me unjustly, and me trying to put myself in their shoes, just to find some explanation for their behavior? Once we are more aware of the issues, we can start working on separating ourselves from energies that cause overwhelm.

Healing Trauma

Because heightened sensitivity is often (but not always!) rooted in trauma, it is helpful to seek treatment that facilitates release of trauma from the body. Therapies, such as somatic experiencing, or trauma release exercises (TRE) allow us to reconnect with our bodies and become more present, as we release traumatic memories.

Many empaths and highly sensitive persons are uncomfortable being in their physical bodies and tend to have problems with grounding themselves. One of the major blocks to grounding is trauma. Instead of being present in the moment, someone who is ungrounded will tend to spend a lot of time in their head, daydreaming or attempting incredible projects that never materialize.

Therefore, connecting to our physical bodies through embodiment therapies, physical exercise and holistic trauma healing methods is crucial. Spiritual healing is important, but it can never replace living an embodied human experience.

Meditation and stillness

Feeling present in our own body and being grounded is crucial for empaths. But learning to observe the mind and its stories is the next step that brings clarity and helps maintain focus. Meditation and stillness help abstract from thoughts and feelings and find the middle ground of being in the NOW.

Being present in the now helps us center ourselves, and become aware of our feelings. The more centered we are, the less likely are we to be influenced by the energies of others.

Healing from trauma, PTSD or abuse will often make it impossible to meditate, or even sit still for a moment. This is perfectly normal, and one would need to work on healing and processing before learning to meditate effectively.

Energetic protection and clearing

The energetic component of managing empathy is incredibly important. What empaths tune into is energy. The energy field of an empath is very porous and open. While most empaths struggle with maintaining healthy boundaries in their personal life, the issue of boundary setting begins on the energetic level.

Daily energy clearing and learning tools for spiritual and energetic protection is a must for an empath. Personally, I call on high beings, such as archangel Michael, to repair my energy field, cut cords, and cut all psychic ties between myself and those who are connected with me energetically. I also ask to draw back my energy to me, and to fill up and restore my aura.

Overall, stepping back into our power and learning to control our empathy requires determination and practice, but empathy is only a gift when it serves us. It does not help anyone, not us, and not our loved ones, if we are unable to function because of emotional and energetic overwhelm.

In my Akashic Record readings, I often come across different types of empathy that my clients have, sometimes without even being aware of it. Some are connecting not just to the emotions of others, but also to energetic residue of places, ecosystems or people’s medical issues. It is very validating to recognize your empathic gifts and to begin using them in your favor, rather then just being swayed by energy at all times.