Frequently Asked Questions
If you have never had a reading or attended an Evening of Mediumship, it is completely reasonable to have questions. You may be curious, nervous, skeptical or wondering what on earth you have signed yourself up for.
You do not need to know the language or share my beliefs. These answers explain how I work, what you can expect and the practical things worth knowing before you book.
If your question is not answered here, please contact me and I will respond as soon as I can.
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What training have you undertaken?
I have trained in the psychic faculty and evidential mediumship for more than a decade in Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom, including at the Arthur Findlay College. Paul Jacobs has been the most significant teacher in my development.
My training has taught me how to develop and evaluate my work, learn from mistakes and approach mediumship with discipline and responsibility.
You can read more about my development on the My Story page.
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I’m grieving heavily. Is it too soon for a mediumship reading?
There is no universal waiting period after someone dies. A recent passing does not automatically prevent communication, but a reading may not be the most helpful choice when grief is extremely raw or overwhelming.
I may suggest waiting if I believe you would benefit from more time. Mediumship is not grief counselling or a substitute for professional support.
What if I become emotional during?
Emotion is a natural part of many readings. You don’t need to apologise for becoming upset or try to hold back your feelings.
We can pause, take a breath or stop altogether if that is what you need. You remain in control of whether the reading continues.
Can I ask you to stop or change direction? What if I hear something I don’t want to discuss?
Yes. You may ask me to pause, stop or move away from a subject at any time. You do not need to explain or justify your decision.
At a public event, you may also decline a communication. I will respect your decision and move on.
How do you handle very personal or sensitive information?
Private readings are treated with discretion. I will not use the details of your reading as content or share them publicly without your clear permission.
An Evening of Mediumship takes place in front of an audience, so information shared during a communication may be heard by others in the room. You may decline a communication or ask me to stop if you do not wish to continue publicly.
You can read more on my Boundaries and Expectations page.
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What is an Evening of Mediumship, and what actually happens on the night?
An Evening of Mediumship is a live, shared demonstration of communication with the spirit world.
I begin by explaining how I work and what the audience can expect. I then communicate the information I receive and work to identify who in the audience understands it.
The evening may include emotion, recognition, surprise and plenty of humour. Every event is different because I do not know beforehand who will communicate or what they will say.
Will everyone receive a communication?
No. It is not possible for every person in an audience to receive an individual communication.
I cannot guarantee who will receive a message or that a particular person in spirit will communicate. An Evening of Mediumship is a shared experience, and much of its value can come from witnessing the communications received by others.
Do I have to participate?
No. You are welcome to sit quietly and observe.
If I believe a communication may be for you, I will ask whether you understand the information. You may decline the communication or ask me to move on at any time.
Can I attend if I am skeptical?
Yes. You do not need to believe in mediumship or share my Spiritualist faith to attend.
Curiosity and respectful behaviour are enough. You are welcome to observe what happens and reach your own conclusion about the experience.
How is an Evening of Mediumship different from a private reading?
An Evening of Mediumship is a public experience involving several brief communications across the audience. A private reading is an individual appointment focused on you and may include psychic work, mediumship or a blend of both.
Neither format can guarantee communication with a particular person.
View upcoming events:
https://www.karenbaldwinmedium.com/events -
What is a psychic reading?
A psychic reading focuses on you, your present circumstances and what may need your attention.
I attune to you and communicate what I become aware of. This may offer insight into areas such as relationships, work, personal direction or decisions you are considering.
I do not use tarot cards or other tools. The reading is a direct, two-way conversation, and you are welcome to ask questions.
Can I ask specific questions?
Yes. Specific questions are welcome, particularly when they are open-ended and focused on you.
Questions such as “What should I understand about this situation?” or “What may help me move forward?” create more room for useful insight than questions demanding a fixed prediction.
I will not use a reading to investigate the private thoughts, feelings or activities of another living person without their consent.
Are there subjects you will not cover?
I do not provide medical diagnoses or legal, financial or psychological advice. I will not make decisions for you, investigate another person without consent or use fear-based claims about curses, attachments or spiritual threats.
You can read my full Boundaries and Expectations before booking.
What if the reading is not working or the information does not make sense?
Please tell me when something does not make sense. I will not expect you to force information to fit or agree with me simply because I am giving the reading.
We can clarify the information or change direction with your permission. If the reading does not establish, I will stop the session and refund your payment rather than fill the time with guesswork.
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What happens during a mediumship reading, and do I need to provide information?
I begin by explaining how I work and then shift my awareness towards the spirit world. I communicate what I receive and look for information that helps you understand who may be communicating.
You do not need to bring photographs, belongings or background information. I prefer not to be told who you hope to hear from before the reading begins.
No prior belief in mediumship is required.
Can I choose who communicates?
You are welcome to hope for communication from a particular person, but I cannot guarantee who will come forward or what they will say.
One person may communicate, several people may be present or the person you hoped for may not communicate on that occasion. I cannot summon or direct a particular communicator.
If the communication you wanted does not occur, I will not invent it or substitute psychic information and present it as mediumship.
What do you mean by “evidence”?
Evidence is recognisable information that helps identify the person communicating. It may relate to their personality, appearance, relationships, experiences, habits or memories.
I look for information with enough substance to be meaningfully considered rather than relying only on general statements that could apply to many people.
Evidence does not need to involve secrets or highly private information.
What should I do if something does not make sense?
Please say no when information does not make sense. I do not expect you to agree with me or force something to fit.
Mediumship involves interpreting thoughts, feelings, impressions and memories, and I can misunderstand what I receive. I may clarify the information, acknowledge the mistake or move on.
Occasionally, something may be understood after the reading or recognised by another family member. It is also possible that it will never be recognised. I will not assume that every unrecognised detail must eventually be correct.
What happens if no communication is established?
If a mediumistic connection is not established, I will say so. I will not fill the appointment with guesses or automatically turn it into a psychic reading without discussing that with you.
If the reading cannot proceed, I will end the session and refund your payment.
Can someone who died recently communicate?
There is no fixed spiritual waiting period that I apply after someone dies, but communication with any particular person can never be guaranteed.
If your loss is very recent or your grief feels overwhelming, you may benefit from waiting before having a reading. Mediumship is not grief counselling or a substitute for professional support.
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What is animal communication?
Animal communication is an intuitive connection with an animal.
When I connect with a living animal, the work is psychic. When I communicate with an animal who has died, the work is mediumship.
The information may include impressions of the animal’s personality, preferences, relationships, memories or current experience. As with all intuitive work, the information cannot be guaranteed and should be considered alongside what you already know about your animal.
Does my animal need to be present?
No. Your animal does not need to travel, sit beside you or appear on camera.
They can remain in their usual environment while I work with you. This is often more comfortable for the animal and less distracting for everyone involved.
Can you communicate with an animal who has passed away?
Yes. Animals in the spirit world may communicate through mediumship in much the same way as people do.
I look for recognisable information about the animal’s personality, appearance, habits, relationships or memories. Communication with a particular animal cannot be guaranteed.
Can I ask questions about my animal?
Yes. You are welcome to bring questions about your animal’s preferences, behaviour, relationships or experience.
I will communicate what I become aware of, but I cannot make an animal respond to a particular question or guarantee the answer you are hoping to receive.
Can animal communication diagnose a health problem?
No. Animal communication is not veterinary care and cannot be used to diagnose illness, injury or pain.
If your animal is unwell, behaving unusually or showing signs of distress, your first step should always be to consult a qualified veterinarian. I will not recommend that you delay, replace or disregard veterinary advice.
What information do you need?
I need your animal’s name and the type of animal they are. I may ask for limited additional information if it is necessary to understand the reason for your booking.
You do not need to provide a detailed history beforehand.
How do I book an animal communication reading?
Animal communication is offered within my usual private-reading appointments rather than as a separate service.
Book either an in-person or online private reading and let me know that you would like the focus to be your animal.
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How long is a private reading, and how much does it cost?
Private readings are available for:
30 minutes: $120
45 minutes: $180
The same prices apply to in-person and online readings. Appointments are booked and paid for through my online booking system.
Private group readings generally run for approximately 90 minutes. Information about group sizes and prices is available on my Services page.
Where are private readings held?
In-person readings are held in my home in Tuggeranong. The exact address is provided after your appointment is confirmed.
Online readings are held by WhatsApp video call for those unable to see me in person. You will need WhatsApp, a reliable internet connection and somewhere quiet and private for the appointment.
What should I know before attending an in-person reading?
Please do not wear perfume, cologne or strongly fragranced products. These can trigger migraines and sinus problems for me.
Gavin, my West Highland White Terrier and unofficial client-relations manager, may be present. Let me know beforehand if you would prefer him to be comfortably settled elsewhere during your reading.
Can I record my private reading?
Yes. You are welcome to take notes or record your private reading for your own personal use.
Please do not publish or distribute a recording containing my voice or image without asking for permission first.
Can someone attend my private reading with me?
Private readings are intended to be one-to-one appointments.
If several people would like to share an experience, a private group reading will usually be more appropriate. Please contact me if you are uncertain which option to choose.
What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy?
You can cancel or reschedule a private reading using the link in your appointment email.
Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice are non-refundable.
Tickets for public events are non-refundable unless I cancel the event. Please check the event information and ticketing terms before purchasing.
Are readings and events suitable for children?
Private readings, workshops and Evenings of Mediumship are for people aged 18 and over.
Some venues are licensed premises and may ask attendees to provide identification.
What accessibility is available?
My home has step-free access and parking close to the entrance. However, the doorways may not be wide enough to provide full wheelchair access. Please contact me before booking if you would like to discuss a particular access requirement.
Accessibility at public events depends on the individual venue. Details are provided with each event, and you may also contact the venue directly.
More information is available on my Events Access and Inclusion page:
https://www.karenbaldwinmedium.com/access-and-inclusion-evenings-of-mediumship-events
Where can I find more information or book?
Services and prices:
https://www.karenbaldwinmedium.com/servicesavailableBook a private reading:
https://www.karenbaldwinmedium.com/book-inUpcoming events:
https://www.karenbaldwinmedium.com/eventsContact me:
https://www.karenbaldwinmedium.com/contact
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