Growing Empathic Abilities Or Something New?

It wasn't all too long ago that I began to be able to feel the emotions of those around me, and with a bit of practice I became quite good at it. When I sought the guidance of those with similar stories I came across this site, which has helped greatly over the past period of time, yet as these powers have changed I have not found a similar tale in any other story.

While I know certainly that I am an Empath, and have learned to deal with empathic abilities, other occurrences have some to be in which I've not a clue if they relate. As example, at one point I had been tremendously frustrated with a friend for reasons I shall not go in to, and at a breaking point I instinctively thrust my hand out to his forehead. It was not as a strike, simply contact. At that point I seemed to push my frustrations into him, and I saw the fear grow in his eyes. I felt horrible for what had happened, yet also curious. Later, while experimenting with what had happened, I found myself to be able to both push and pull emotions, and even some physical pain from those around me, leaving no trace of it in its originator.

Another peculiarity I have noticed is that I can, with a lack of a better word, "tune" myself to someone. I can act identical to whom I choose, but not by feeding of their energies as a Psy Vamp but in a way reconfiguring myself. They are in no way affected by the process. I can be as capable as they in many subjects, and feel as they do. It is an odd and nearly indescribable experience.

These are new experiences to me, and I wonder if they are related in any way to empathy. If anyone with similar experiences or simply knowledge on their part can assist me, it would be greatly appreciated, and possibly needed.