Mediumship has a sordid history. Even today, the practice continues to receive mainstream criticism and stigmatization. As with many spiritual professions, mediumship has weathered the storms of frauds and scams, leaving a stain on its reputation that’s hard to remove. But when you really look into it, you have to wonder: why does this antiquated narrative still exist? After all, research shows that mediums are friendlier, more imaginative and intellectual, more confident and emotionally stable, and less neurotic and anxious than “normal people.” It goes beyond ‘energy’ too, with brain scans showing that mediums are in a distinct mental state while communicating with the deceased.
Study after study consistently reveals that a majority of people have favorable attitudes toward mediumship. It’s not only gaining widespread adoption, but it’s being practiced with shocking accuracy and healing benefits:
- 7 in 10 Americans believe it’s possible to feel “the presence of someone who has died.” (Pew Research Center)
- 87% of people report a decrease in grief, better emotional well-being and a greater sense of peace after seeing a medium (Forever Family Foundation)
- 57% of people have contacted the deceased through a medium; 92% report feeling satisfied after seeing a medium; and 78% admit it’s a transformative experience (Windbridge Research Center)
- 76% of people experience comfort, healing and closure after connecting with deceased loved ones via a medium (Journal of Scientific Exploration)
- Accuracy rates consistently surpass what would be expected by chance alone, with a meta-analysis revealing an overall accuracy rate of 68% (Journal of Parapsychology)
- Mediums have shown a 77% accuracy rate in providing details about the deceased - details that were unknown by the sitter at that time - and then were later verified to be accurate (Windbridge Research Center)
Clairannoyance co-hosts Megan and Ryan are joined by psychic medium and modern mystic Katie O’Brien in this episode. As a skeptic by nature, Katie brings an alternative perspective that lends some much-needed, down-to-earth legitimacy to this practice — and to the spiritual community in general. Katie shares her experience as a born medium who reclaimed her abilities in adulthood after shutting them down in her youth. We talk about her signature approach to mediumship - “soul readings" - a more holistic experience for clients. Topics we explore include: the various Clairs (shoutout to our podcast title); the difficulties of trusting yourself in this line of work; managing client expectations and delivering messages they might not want to hear; establishing healthy boundaries in your personal and professional life; plus much more.
We're not forcing you to start seeing a medium every day. But let’s be honest. Measurable data is proving mediumship's popularity, accuracy and real-world healing benefits. The only fictional thing going on here is the state of denial all the naysayers keep living in.
About Katie O'Brien
Katie O'Brien is a modern mystic and spiritual advisor who uses her natural born abilities as a psychic medium to work with clients worldwide. Her skeptical mind helps her stand apart and stay grounded, bringing a more authentic approach to her work. Katie diligently validates the information she channels, offering a more holistic experience than you might expect. Her signature "soul readings" provide profound clarity, healing and spiritual development for clients. She transcends the work of a traditional medium to not only connect you with loved ones on on the other side, but she taps you into your own intuitive abilities as well. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Katie offers soul readings, human design readings, and intimate group readings. She's acquired numerous prestigious certifications as a master medium, life coach, holistic therapist and more. Her guidebook and journal, "Develop Your Psychic Abilities: How to Make Sense of What You Sense," further supports individuals in nurturing their spiritual well-being.
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