An Empath primarily absorbs and experiences the emotions of others as if they were their own. If someone in the room is anxious, an empath may suddenly feel a knot in their stomach without necessarily knowing why.
A Clairsentient (meaning "clear feeling") functions more like an intuitive investigator. They don’t just feel the emotion; they receive specific information through that feeling. This can include sensing the physical ailments of others, picking up on the "vibe" of a building, or feeling the presence and personality of a spirit.