I don't think it has anything to do with the psychic realm. Nor do I see it as a gift. It may even be a learned character.

To my understanding an empath is an individual with a knack for empathy to those and of those around them. The have an uncanny ability to see the world through others' eyes and emotions. It isn't simply about being able to walk in another's shoes but to feel their emotions. They often do so deeply to the extent doing so interrupts their own lives. It comes from several traits: a highly developed ability of observation, a keen sense of recognising non verbal cues, an understanding and ability to sense the relationship between cause and effect, and a strong sense of common sense. I am not saying the rest of us are lacking in these. I am suggesting an empath's ability to see and react to these things is heightened in comparison.

Again, just my thoughts.