“You can answer your own question. You already know the anwser, if you can just gain access to it” – Michael Crichton

“I’m thinking of going to see a psychic, do you fancy it?”, asked a friend a few weeks ago.

“Yeah, alright, it’ll be a laugh,” I replied, revealing both my healthy scepticism and natural curiosity for all things mystic.

A full month later, we finally got an appointment, with a highly regarded tarot reading psychic. The date 12^th July, being both apt and significant somehow, as it was my birthday. Perhaps she could tell me what my next year would bring?

One by one we presented ourselves into her dining room for our reading. There were to be no objects on the table, feet must make contact with the floor, and hands placed strategically, the slightest movement of which incurred an instant wrath ridden reprimand, “You’re closing the door!” (I really should have sat on mine!)

At the end of the reading the psychic asked me what I thought about it? And I, in complete and open honesty replied,

“I’ve really enjoyed it, it was very good, really entertaining” which seemed to please her and left us both in the happy glow of a half-hour (and twenty-five quid) well spent!

In the pub afterwards, we three friends compared notes…

Psychic to me: “You question everything”

Friend 1: “Oh she said that to me”

Psychic to me: “You’re not an ‘every Tom, Dick and Harry’ type of girl”

Friend 2: “Oh yes, I got that one”

Psychic to me: “If only you knew what you wanted”

Friend 2: “And that!”

In discussion with a colleague a day or so later I expressed my incredulity at how seriously and earnestly people engage in these readings and wondered aloud at what it was about. He summed it up perfectly, saying

“Everybody’s looking for answers”

I had to agree, yes…that did seem to be the main motivation. We all want someone to tell us our future, to give us the answers, to tell us what to do!

But of course life’s not like that. We know this. And so, we suspend belief, for half an hour, to hear something (that the very skilled lady) knows we want to hear.

So here’s the rub….as a trained Counsellor, I am skilled and practiced at keeping myself safe, emotionally grounded, and secure in myself.  I attended the reading in the spirit (no pun intended) and expectation of a fun and entertaining evening, which it was!

But I couldn’t, in all conscience, not mention my deep unease and misgivings at the seeming recklessness with which this woman blundered into our lives. Casually giving news of the impending death of a love-one, a relatives expected illness, the end of a relationship, without any real concern for the impact of her words on her customer or the emotional aftermath. My colleague sardonically suggested that I leave my business card for people to pick after their reading in order to help them gather their ravaged emotions. (Trust him to spot an opportunity!)

So what answers are you looking for? And how do you intend finding them? In my opinion, you really can’t beat a trusted friend, partner, sibling or parent in most matters. But if you’ve exhausted these avenues or have things that you feel you can’t share with your family (perhaps it would hurt them, or they are just too close to the problem)…well then that’s where a ‘trusted professional’ comes in. But….I implore you…choose your professional wisely!

A one-off session with a counsellor or psychotherapist can uncover truthful and meaningful answers for you. You will meet in a safe and private space and your therapist will help you gather your thoughts and feelings before ending your session.

Alternatively, if you really want to hear that your Great Uncle Ted’s about to die; your Great Grandmother had twins you never knew about; you’re going to have a boy for your next baby (you know it’s a girl); and your relationship won’t last…give me a ring…I know a really good psychic!