Unicorn, IMHO, you are using your gift of Empathy to better humanity instead of simply having the ability to tap into others emotions and then turning a blind eye.
GOOD FOR YOU!!
I personally believe that this is truly what most Natural born Empaths are supposed to do. Whether or not they do it is one thing.
Even though your gift enables you to help, you have also seen how draining it can be on the other end. Shielding will allow you to still use your gift of empathy but immediately block out the emotions and then allow you to do your "work" from an outside viewpoint.
Forgive me if you know how to do this. I tried to read as much of this thread as I could. If you already know, maybe it will help someone else.
Simple techniques for shielding and blocking others emotions. (I personally use these a lot.)
Visualize unplugging the emotion you feel from your solar plexus (stomach region). Visualize whatever the emotion is as being a physical energy you can see and removing it from yourself. Surround yourself with protective energy and block the emotion.
Once I block it, I usually leave the surrounding area and do my "work" from afar projecting whatever it is that person may need at the moment especially if the emotion was overwhelming and in need of peace or stillness.
To have the gift of empathy may sound cool and mesmerizing but you and I and many many others will vouch to say that it can be quite the opposite. However, I would never wish mine away as I feel being able to assist behind the scenes and see the changes always offers up a great emotional reward for me.
Goodbye Unicorn