Mediumship and channeling have been around for centuries and involve practitioners acting as a bridge to apparently communicate with the deceased or other forms of intelligence by entering altered states of consciousness. While Western culture often questions its legitimacy, these practices are seeing growing public interest and are becoming big business, with psychic services, including mediumship, generating a whopping $2.2 billion in 2021 alone.
Historically, mediumship in the West has often been wrongly linked to mental illness, but research over the past 20 years has debunked that myth. In fact, studies show that mediums generally report better mental well-being than non-mediums and score higher in traits like openness, conscientiousness, and emotional sensitivity. On top of that, scientific research is becoming more rigorous, with controlled experiments providing evidence to support mediumistic abilities. This is helping to expand our understanding of this fascinating and growing field that often provides comfort in times of grief.
Despite growing public interest and advances in research, mediumship and trance channeling are still in the early stages of becoming recognized as professional fields. Some of the biggest challenges are a lack of societal acceptance, a bad reputation caused by fraudulent practitioners, and the lack of consistent certification standards to ensure quality. While some mediums charge for their services, there isn’t a unified professional identity, code of ethics, or standard certification process, leading to big differences in training and professionalism across the field.
A few organizations, like the Forever Family Foundation and Helping Parents Heal, offer strict testing and certification programs. These programs are rigorous, and only a small number of mediums pass due to the high standards. Some other organizations also offer certifications, but there’s concern about how widely standards can vary. In some cases, certifications can be obtained simply by paying a fee, which raises doubts about their credibility.
Improving ethical standards in mediumship and channeling
At IONS, we are working to improve the ethical standards in mediumship and channeling through multiple projects. In one project, we used an anonymous survey to learn more about the beliefs and practices of mediums and channelers to see if the field is ready for formal professional structures like ethical standards and certification. The idea is that creating a professional association, along with clear ethical guidelines and training programs, could help legitimize mediumship and channeling as recognized professions. This would not only increase trust in the field but also boost its acceptance in society.
In this survey of nearly 150 professional mediums and channelers, 86% expressed interest in or had already received some form of training or certification. There were mixed opinions on whether these abilities are natural or can be learned, which is an important consideration for developing educational programs and professional standards. However, there was broad agreement on the importance of research, education, and ethical guidelines. Many participants highlighted the need for formal ethical standards, especially to protect clients from harm—particularly when dealing with grief or vulnerable individuals. The survey stressed the value of grief training for mediums who work with those in emotional distress.
While some mediums are cautious about the idea of regulation, many supported the formation of a national, non-profit professional association that could provide resources and guidance for newcomers. Another key point raised was the need for standardized terminology, as there is no agreed-upon language to describe their roles or services. Most practitioners referred to themselves as “mediums” and typically offered “sessions” or “readings.”
Another proposed project from IONS aims to evaluate medium and trance channeler certification programs in the U.S. It will compare different programs, their requirements, and how well they prepare practitioners to uphold ethical standards and avoid harming consumers. This research will use both statistical analysis and qualitative data to create a fair rating system for certification programs – something that is sorely needed.
Reducing stigma to increase grief support
Why is it important to help mediumship and channeling become more legitimate and societally accepted? Many people turn to mediums and channelers in times of grief or emotional distress, and research has shown that after-death communications, such as those received through mediumship or channeling, can benefit and positively affect grief processing. By working to professionalize the field, we can create a safer, more trustworthy environment for both practitioners and clients. Establishing ethical guidelines, formal certification processes, and a professional association would not only help reduce the stigma surrounding these practices but also improve the overall quality and consistency of services. Thus far, IONS’ work on improving ethical standards in mediumship and channeling has shown that U.S. mediums and channelers are generally open to these changes.
As public interest continues to grow, it’s essential that mediumship and channeling evolve into recognized and respected professions, ensuring that people seeking these services can do so with confidence and trust. With continued research and collaboration among practitioners, these ancient practices can thrive in modern society while providing genuine support to those in need. And perhaps, as we continue to explore the mysteries of consciousness, mediumship and channeling might open doors to dimensions of connection we have yet to fully understand.