(Image) Ethics

All psychics are not equal. Many psychics and mediums are highly trained, ethical professionals, while others have good intentions, but underdeveloped skillsets. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of outright fakes and scammers.

As a consumer, it’s important for you to know where a psychic or medium falls on this spectrum of professionalism.

Psychics and mediums are often portrayed in a stereotypical light. These stereotypes are sometimes perpetuated by practitioners themselves, through their words, behavior, public persona or presentation. This misrepresentation further muddies the water for clients who are trying to find a reputable psychic or medium for a reading.

Common misleading stereotypes include acting or being:

  • A party entertainer
  • A con or scammer
  • “Possessed” by spirits (a short step from being “possessed by evil”)
  • A user or supposed dispeller of curses, spells and/or potions

In contrast, professional, trained, ethical psychics and mediums regard our work, above all, as sacred. We provide transparency to customers about our prices, policies and methods — as well as our identity. We also clearly delineate psychic from medium work, even if we offer a single session that provides both services.

Sifting Through the Language: Are You Looking for a Psychic or a Medium?

While finding a reputable psychic is important, knowing what type of reading you’re looking for is also a critical piece of the puzzle.

Are you interested in seeing how the past might be affecting your present circumstances? What roadblocks could be standing in the way of reaching your goals? Or insights into jobs, relationships, finances, health and other personal matters? If so, look for a psychic, who will use their developed intuition to provide this type of reading. (Note: While psychics can often see predictive future paths, these paths are not set in stone. New variables can come into play and change the outcome.)

Professional, ethical psychics and mediums regard our work, above all, as sacred.

All mediums are psychics, but not all psychics are mediums. If you’re hoping to communicate a loved one who has passed away, you’ll want to look for a medium (including psychic medium or spiritual medium).

The terms psychic and intuitive are interchangeable. The terms psychic and medium are not interchangeable, but are often used in combination. You may also hear readers refer to themselves as a clairvoyant. Clairvoyance is a sense used by both psychics and mediums in their work.

How to Find a Reputable Psychic or Medium

If you’re trying to navigate this field, look for transparency and professionalism in any practitioner you may be considering. Here are a few things you should look for when vetting a psychic or medium:

  • The medium or psychic should use their real name, not a fictitious moniker.
  • Prices for services, as well as any purchasing policies, should be consistent and clearly stated. The price should be the price and you should not feel pressured to extend the time for the purpose of the reader billing more money.
  • Their website should have a professional look.
  • Training or certifications should be listed so the consumer can investigate what is involved in those certifications.
  • The psychic or medium should either provide a recording of the session or allow the client to record it.

After a reading, clients should feel uplifted and empowered, and have a sense of peace.

If any of these conditions are not met, be skeptical. Also, any talk of spells, curses, possession or potions should raise a red flag. NEVER give a psychic valuables or money for the sake of blessings or removing spells. Principled psychics and mediums do not use any of these tactics.

Related: Are Mediums Real or Fake?

On the other hand, many psychics rely on tools such as tarot cards, tea leaves, mirrors, crystal balls or other scrying tools to help them receive messages. I’ve worked with many extraordinary readers who use these tools with great effectiveness.

One of the best ways to find a reputable psychic or medium is to ask for referrals from trusted friends or family members who have experienced a meaningful psychic or medium reading.

Another is to consult a professional directory, such as Mark Ireland’s Certified Mediums, Forever Family Foundation’s Certified Medium Directory or Bob Olson’s Best Psychics Directory. Even when using these directories, use your discernment, too.

Participate in the Process

Legitimate, trained and ethical psychics and mediums are here to be in service of people on the Other Side and to their clients here in the physical realm.

After a reading, you should leave with a profound sense of peace. Even when you receive information that you might not want to hear, you should feel uplifted, empowered or at least have some clarity.

Information should never be forced on you. If something doesn’t fit, feel free to speak up — after all, this is your reading! — and the psychic or medium should be able to work with your feedback. While you never want to feed information to the reader, you are a key participant in the process.

Ultimately, finding a psychic or medium who’s right for you is a personal decision. Just as you would before hiring any type of professional, doing your due diligence is the best way to ensure  a positive experience with a psychic or medium reading.