I do the same thing actually I channel empathy when I'm giving someone a backrub or whatever so I can feel where they hurt, and thus do a better job of getting rid of knots.

However, I know how much of a bitch it can be, especially in public. What you need is something called shielding. It's usually visualized as a physical barrier, but it actually works through all dimensions.

Psipog.net has tons of articles on psionics, and lots about shielding
psipog.net/cat-shields.html

I would suggest that if you don't have a background in energy work, that you do some basic energy exercises first.

Tips: Once you set up a shield that suites you, NEVER take it down. Let it become wholly part of your energy field (aura). Instead, focus on changing the "psychic transparency" of the shield, i.e. how much and what kind of energies you let in.

What I have is a mild shield against others emotions, however when negative thoughts are picked up it puts up a barrier against any kind of intrusion. Also when I want to I can shut off absolutely (well most) energy.


Additionally, if you know how to ground, you can dump pain into the ground. Even just being grounded (setting up an energy link with the earth, much like electrical grounding) helps a lot with empathy issues.