What’s the Difference? Highly Sensitive Person, Empath, and Clairsentient

It’s simpler than you think.

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Think of these three intuitive types as layers—each building upon the last. All are unique, all are meaningful, and you may find yourself resonating with one, two, or even all three.

Each of these abilities is a true gift. Whether you identify as an HSP, an empath, or a clairsentient, your sensitivity is something to be honored, nurtured, and used for good. Set the intention to serve others with your light, love, and insight.

Let’s dive into the beautiful distinctions among these intuitive types.

The Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)

What is an HSP?

The term “Highly Sensitive Person” was introduced by psychologist Dr. Elaine Aron, whose research revealed that about 20% of the population possesses this heightened sensitivity. HSPs are acutely aware of their surroundings and emotionally in tune with subtle cues that others may miss.

Signs You Might Be an HSP

• Strong sensitivity to bright lights, loud noises, or overwhelming environments

• Reactions to certain foods, caffeine, or even mild medication

• Deep emotional responses to art, music, or meaningful experiences

• Easily overwhelmed by long to-do lists or chaotic schedules

• Discomfort in places with strong odors or crowded spaces

HSPs often notice the unspoken—body language, tone of voice, or tension in a room—without knowing why. It’s a subconscious tuning into the emotional and sensory environment.

The Empath

What Makes an Empath Different from an HSP?

While HSPs perceive emotions and stimuli, empaths absorb them. Empaths feel the emotional and energetic states of people, animals, and even environments as if they were their own. This goes beyond awareness—empaths experience what others feel in their own bodies.

A Quick Comparison: HSP vs. Empath

Imagine a couple having an argument in a room. Hours later:

• An HSP might enter the room and sense the tension through subtle visual or emotional cues.

• An empath, even without seeing any cues, would feel the emotional residue—grief, anger, or stress—left behind.

Traits of an Empath

• You’re emotionally affected by news, TV violence, or suffering

• You often root for the underdog or feel deeply for those in pain

• You can instantly sense dishonesty in others

• You have vivid dreams and a rich imagination

• You’re drawn to healing, therapeutic, or creative professions

Many empaths are also HSPs, but not all HSPs are empaths.

The Clairsentient

Going One Step Deeper

Clairsentients are often both HSPs and empaths, but they add an additional intuitive layer: clear feeling with insight. It’s not just absorbing emotional energy—it’s receiving specific intuitive information through that feeling.

Where the empath might feel someone’s grief, the clairsentient might also receive a knowing: this person is grieving a recent loss or this person is holding back their truth.

Clairsentience: The Psychic Sense of Feeling

Clairsentients access information psychically through physical sensations. For example:

• A tingling in your hands may signal that someone near you needs healing

• A tightness in your throat may mean someone needs to speak their truth

• A sudden sense of dread might indicate something about to happen

Traits of a Clairsentient

• You often say things like “I feel that…” or “This doesn’t feel right”

• You experience physical chills or sensations during emotional or spiritual moments

• You’ve felt a touch or brush on your body without anyone there

• You feel others’ emotions in your own body—and understand their source or meaning

Returning to our earlier example: a clairsentient walking into the room hours after an argument may not only feel the lingering emotion, but also know who argued, why, and what might happen next.

You May Be One, Two, or All Three

You don’t have to fit perfectly into one category. Many people move between these intuitive identities, or grow into new layers over time. The key is self-awareness and honoring your gifts as they evolve.

Want to Go Deeper?

If you’d like to explore your intuitive gifts further, check out the Intuitive Hour: Awaken Your Inner Voice podcast. With over 180 episodes on intuitive and psychic development, it’s a great companion for your spiritual journey.

Recognized as one of the Top 8 Podcasts of 2022 for enhancing interpersonal skills—alongside names like Tony Robbins and Jay Shetty—the show offers grounded, empowering insights into your intuitive path.

Listen on:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Google Podcasts | and more

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between an HSP, empath, and clairsentient can bring powerful clarity to your journey. Whether you feel everything intensely, absorb energy deeply, or receive psychic insight through sensation—your awareness is a gift.

With practice and guidance, you can channel these gifts to uplift others, protect your own energy, and live more aligned with your intuitive self.