One Halloween years before my shamanic training I dressed up as a fortune teller.

My costume consisted of a real crystal ball and a deck of playing cards wrapped in a velvet sash. Historically playing cards were the first fortune-telling cards, and I was going for the "gypsy" look.

That night I went around the room and did readings for people. I would pull out the deck and have them choose. I saw five of hearts, the three of diamonds, Queen of clubs... and it was like the cards were "talking" to me.

I was naturally and intuitively tapping into the stories and details of their lives. As I would playfully read people's fortunes they would respond in awe - "Wow, that was right on. Do you do this for a living?"

This was clear evidence that my gifts as a psychic were legit. Yet I had no training and still didn't know what to do with these gifts of mine.


Then this happened... One of the guys at the party I didn't know very well asked for me to "read his fortune". He was a non-believer.


I had him pull a couple of cards. This time the information felt intense. I began to talk about his relationship. Details flooded into my mind and I felt swept away by the info, feelings, visions and my storytelling. It was as if I could “read” his mind and clear as day see where his life was headed.


When I looked up from the cards his face had gone white.


I could tell he was freaked out. The reading was spot on! Revealing secrets. Sadly it wasn't what he asked for, nor what he expected. I'm sure it felt invasive. He avoided me for the rest of the night!

At that time I didn't have a full understanding of what I was doing. Or how to respect boundaries and not "read" people just 'cause I could.

If you called me psychic I would have denied it. Not that! I had negative opinions of psychics at the time.

In my younger years the healers and psychics I was exposed to made me feel uncomfortable and creepy. Like they were looking at me without any clothes on. And acted like they knew more about me than I did!

The image I held in my mind of psychics was more like my costume - long skirt, patchouli and incense smelling ladies with too many crystal necklaces dangling from their neck, with wild unruly hair and no tact!​​

I didn't want to be that!

That was a long time ago... and here I am calling myself a psychic. Obviously a lot has changed - in me as well as the healing arts industry.

All this storytelling is leading you to my list of questions:

"How to shop for a psychic" or any other healer.


Because the healing arts industry is growing and growing, there is a wide variety of people offering services. They also vary in their skills and training. 


As a client, we need to ask questions of the person we are considering working with.


First and foremost working with integrity is a high bar I hold for myself as a healer and an expectation I have of my own healers helping me.

To me, integrity looks like always listening to the client and working with their words and their intentions for the healing.

Ask the healer: "What do you hope the outcome is for me after working with you? Do you have any goals for my healing process?" -  This question will give you some insight to any agendas. Do these goals resonate with you?

Integrity is being of service. To the client. And being a clear channel for the benevolent spirits that bring the healing energies.

Integrity is asking for the utmost highest good and benevolent outcome for all involved... knowing that spirit can see more than me as the human practitioner.

Integrity is offering my tools, my modalities, and methods and yet checking in with the client's comfort and boundaries. Also if anything new comes up, in the session, asking again for permission and checking-in during the healing.

Other questions to ask:

  • "What guides, spirits, and energies, do you work with?"

  • "How will I know I am protected and safe?"

  • "What can I understand that will allow me to be part of the process of my healing?"

  • "What have other clients experienced?'

  • "What can I expect?"

  • "Is there anything I might experience after the healing?"


 An unexpected question you can ask your potential practitioner: "Is this a win/win for everyone?"

I hope this information helps you to ask questions when you are looking for a healer. And that you have more understanding of what is happening in your healings so that you can feel empowered and part of the process.

There are so many more healers and healing modalities on the planet. The ancient ways are reservicing. It is a great time to be alive!