Theresa Caputo : A Breakdown

General Information:

Theresa Caputo is a 51 year old, self proclaimed psychic who became famous through her television show The Long Island Medium (on TLC)in 2011. She has two children and is recently separated from her former husband Larry. She claims she channels what she calls "Spirit" through her chakras and can control who and what type of information / spirits / energies connect with her. 

The Live Experience:

According to various sources, phones are not allowed to be on or out during the live shows. Multiple people have said they are vigilant about keeping peoples phones away. Another thing that left fans disappointed is Caputo's decision to push subscriptions for her "fan club" ($19.99) before beginning the live readings. During these "live experiences", she spouts general information and vague feelers until someone shows a visual or auditory response. She has not been seen walking up to anyone and relaying specific, detailed information. She asks questions and looks for objects in peoples hands / jewelry, etc and waits for a response from someone in the audience, especially if multiple people react to her vague starters. 

The generalized starters and feelers only turn more specific when she gets a clear reaction. An example from an article on Phillymag.com below:

"Did he write you a note shortly before he died saying IM SORRY?"

When there is no positive or affirming response, she will begin to back track, like so;

"The next time youre in a card store and you see a card that says IM SORRY, know that this is from him."

Some former fans even say that the live experience "was like pulling teeth" to make a genuine connection with an audience member. There was another alleged incident of the TLC crew grilling a guest on Long Island Medium about her deceased husband before she could film with Caputo and now thinks Theresa is a phony.

Her Methods and Excuses:

Caputo claims that she channels "Spirit" through her chakras and her "brain goes blank so I'm clearly channeling". She also claims to have been "brain tested", so her abilities MUST be true! 

One thing I and others have noticed is that she all too often acts like a therapist or grief counselor to her clients, when really she is giving nothing more than general, cliche comfort. 

"I always say it is not my fault or spirits fault that there are only so many ways that people can die and common burdens and guilt that we might carry." - Caputo

This seems like a huge cop-out to me. She is contradicting herself, saying on one hand she can completely control what and who connects with her and only allowing positive information to come through. Then back tracking again, saying she cannot help that she can only give general info and spews the same things to all her clients. Pick one and stick with it! As many actual mediums or people with abilities will tell you they cannot control who or what connects with them or what type of info comes out.

A former psychic has also claimed that Caputo is a "piggy backer", which means she back tracks and reconstructs her readings after she is told she missed the mark. 

Though she claims to make a difference in peoples lives and claims to truly help them, giving them false information and cliche comfort may not be truly helpful in the long run. If anyone was truly touched and helped by her, by all means, that's wonderful. But she isn't accurate or consistent enough for me. 

So, to sum this section up, Caputo is cold reader and may also be utilizing hot reading techniques (gaining info before meetings).

What others are saying:

Some guests that appeared on the show claim that Caputo is cold and ignores her fans off camera. Pushing past guests and making them re-do scenes to her liking. 

Howard Stern even claims that Caputo made outlandish demands in regard to her would-have-been appearance on his show. He also claims she demanded 45 minutes to an hour alone with the audience before filming could begin. 

"The Long Island psychic is not a psychic!" - Howard Stern


Conclusion and Rating: (rating based on a 5 star system one * = 1 star)

Truthfulness: **
Transparency: **
Accuracy: *
Specificity: *
Client Interaction: **
Price: * 
Consistency: *
Ability to help people: **
Average/Overall rating: 1.5 stars

Do I endorse or recommend her? NO

(The only information I could find on her prices were that private readings were between $50 and $175. Ticket prices vary as do group reading rates. However I have read elsewhere that she may charge by the hour and / or go up to $500 per reading)

The Issue With Orbs

Orbs: Orbs are often thought to be solid evidence or manifestations of spirits or spirit activity. Many self proclaimed gurus, ghost hunters and psychics will claim that they see or capture orbs in pictures and videos. However, there is little to no definitive evidence to suggest its paranormal in any way.

Orbs are not a clear signifier of spirit activity nor are they accepted as admissible proof of a haunting or activity to any reputable mediums, spiritual investigators, or the like. Unfortunately, unlike tv, spirits don’t really form in balls (orbs) or circle around us. They are energy, yes, but there’s no proof of them actually manifesting this way. Most likely this is dust, bugs, a camera glitch, lighting issue, particles in the air, etc. so many variables can cause what LOOKS like an “orb” when in fact it’s something completely mundane or normal.

Photos or video taken in dim rooms using flash or light from the camera, can cause orb-like shapes to appear. I’ve seen many photos and videos like this and even had it happen to myself. Below you'll find a prime example of false orbs in a picture of a group of my friends in a basement with low lighting, flash and other odd light sources. And there’s actually nothing spirit related in the basement.

Common factors that come across as so called orbs are as follows:

DUST

INSECTS

MOISTURE IN THE AIR/ROOM

LIGHT

LENS FLARE

There is an excellent article, with visual examples on Exemplore.com entitled "Tips On Debunking Orbs". (Author: L Sarhan)

False orbs can occur with ANY type of camera! It is commonly believed that you can totally avoid the getting false evidence with a polaroid or old camera, but this is not true. Both modern, digital, or vintage cameras can pull up orb like figures and give you false evidence. 

Orbs are also claimed so often that it seems every other day someone believes they've captured groundbreaking evidence of the haunting they think is happening in their house, or evidence of an urban legend apparition. This is problematic and makes the paranormal far too accessible, in a not so good way. It causes misinformation and surrounds the topic in an over simplified mysticism, like a child's fairytale. These ideas have been amplified by shows like Ghost Adventures, who routinely showcase orbs as "evidence" of what they were seeking. 

My best advice? Be very weary of orbs or anything captured on camera that looks like a photo chemical burn. (Example below)

First attempt at homemade ROSE WATER

Homemade Rose Water Recipe

4-8 cups of distilled/clean water (amount of water depends on how much you want to make)

Fresh roses of your choice ( I used yellow because they have significant meaning, I also added fresh lilac petals from my lilac bushes )

*Make sure that the roses / any flowers you use DO NOT have pesticides on them! 

Essential Oils (optional)

I personally used the following essential oils:

White Angelica

Ginger

Lemon

*All essential oils must be food grade / therapeutic grade. Make sure all oils and ingredients used are up to standard and totally safe

Bring water up to a simmer and add flowers

Simmer the flowers until they begin to lose their color and wilt

Add a few drops of essential oils (optional)

Simmer for about 5 more minutes to incorporate the oils

Take off the heat and let it cool

I personally left the petals in while the mixture cooled

Drain the mixture and bottle the rose water 

I used a spray bottle and a mason jar

*Always spot test and avoid ingredients you are or may be allergic to

*I added a small pinch of salt just to keep the mixture from molding / spoiling

Herbal Teas - Cloud Walking Tea by Nuwati Herbals

During my recent trip to the Foxwoods Reserve and Casino, I picked up a couple of teas I found in one of the shops that featured native made products and mostly native owned businesses, which is refreshing to see!

I came across some bottles of tea by Nuwati Herbals. The first tea I picked up was the Cloud Walking Tea. I am someone who has quite a bit of trouble sleeping and staying asleep, so I was happy to find something natural that might help me out. 

What I really enjoy about this particular tea is that the effects of it are slow releasing. In other words, youre not going to be suddenly knocked out after drinking it or have the heavy grogginess and confusion that sometimes comes with fast relating sleep aides or other teas like this. 

The recommended serving size is 1 tablespoon per cup of tea. I found this amount of tea to be a little too strong for me, so I cut it down to about half a tablespoon and this worked perfectly. 

The taste is very floral and earthy. I did notice that the finishing note on this tea is quite bitter, at least to me. So, I personally add a little bit of sugar, honey, agave, cherry juice, whatever type of natural sweetener I have on hand. I personally add about a teaspoon or two and it cuts the bitter flavor just enough where its not so strong or noticeable. 

Nuwati Herbals only features loose teas, so I recommend either purchasing one of their tea bags or using one of your own tea infusers. However, I do recommended making sure that the infuser has much smaller holes / strainer to prevent bits of the leaves from getting into your tea if youre using your own. Using a mesh strainer is also a good idea if you have one. 

An Intro To Aromatherapy : Common/ Most Accessible Essential Oils

For this introduction to aromatherapy I will introduce to you, a few of the most common, accessible essential oils that you can use to get started in the world of aromatherapy and cleansing. 


1. Lavender : Lavender can be very calming and help you with sleep. I would recommend you use it carefully or sparingly as for myself and many others, too much of this oil or scent can cause a headache. 

2. Chamomile : Most of you know Chamomile in the form of a tea. In the form of an oil, it can have the same calming, restful effects. that a tea will give you. It has a very earthy scent and is great when mixed with other complimentary oils. 

*I will provide a quick guide on how to mix or combine oils safely, effectively, in another post*

3. Rosemary : This oil is more invigorating and uplifting than the first two mentioned. This is another earthy, woodsy scent and is great when used with a mixer or carrier oil. This oil can be used in a diffuser (as all other oils can be), or with a carrier oil when used directly on the skin for massage purposes. 

*Carrier oils should be mixed with any essential oil when you put it directly on the skin. Carrier oils (such as almond oil, for one example) dilute the essential oil enough so it has a lower chance of it causing a reaction on your skin, or being too overpowering.*

4. Lemon : Lemon is another invigorating and refreshing scent. Often used in face washes, to act as a wake up or pick me up in the morning. Lemon oil as an obvious citrusy, vibrant and light floral scent to it. Lemon itself is antibacterial as well, which is why its in so many skincare and cleaning products. 

5. Frankincense : This is a very deep, warm scent. It is quintessential in cleansing your home and is commonly used. To some, Frankincense is considered holy or scared. I suggest you use this oil with a carrier oil or in a diffuser, as it can be very strong / potent if used on its on or if you use too much. This oil is believed to help with respiratory issues, so it can be used in a hot bath or as a massage oil. 

6. Peppermint : Peppermint is fresh, distinct and refreshing. It can permeate a room instantly if it is clean and fresh. Mint is believed to help with digestion or stomach aches. Some people use peppermint to rid their home of insects and pests, but my favorite use for it is in aromatherapy. A few drops in a steaming shower or hot bath, mixed with a carrier oil to help alleviate sore muscles, or in a diffuser so it can permeate the air and slowly lead you into a cooling state. 

"Psychic / Medium" Stereotypes - Focus On Appearance / Behavior

If you've ever seen a psychic, medium, or spiritually gifted person on TV, in a book, magazine, etc, they've most likely either been portrayed as; a) a dark, brooding, almost gothic looking person or b) a hippie, floaty, spacey type that waves their hands over a crystal ball. 

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While this can be accurate sometimes, based on the individuals style or persona, I find it to be wildly inaccurate for the most part. On occasion, even I have been met with skepticism solely because of how I look and / or present myself. Spiritually gifted people do, in fact, look normal or even blend in completely with everyone else. We are not all gothic or spacey hippies. Not that there is anything wrong with you if you happen to be that way. 

There are certain "famous psychics" that are not helping the cause with some of their behavior or presentation either. People who use "Miss ____" or "The Amazing ____" or even "Lady ____", are not to be trusted in my opinion. This habit is from way back when psychics were viewed only as mystics who hid in dark rooms and chanted over crystal ball and tarot cards. 

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In fact, Ive seen many examples of spiritually gifted people being portrayed as scary, evil, as bullies, etc. A prime example of this is The Craft. Now, as much I enjoy this classic "cult" favorite, I do think it puts a negative spin on spiritual people and practices, especially those who practice "alternative spirituality". The girls in the movie were also self proclaimed witches, so on the flip side of my previous statement, I do think it brings attention to the fact that "modern witches" are not what they seem to be, because they don't have any real ability, and Wicca or Witchcraft is simply an alternative belief system. Many modern practitioners of Wicca and Witchcraft tend to let it all go their heads, which is clearly depicted in the movie. 

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Now that we've covered some basic issues with how authentic spiritually gifted  people behave, what do they do? What do they not do?

Dos:

- Some of us can see the past, present and/or future

- Some of us practice herbalism (this is NOT synonymous with Wicca, nor is herbalism a natural born ability.)

- Some of us read people (there are numerous types of legitimate reading techniques)

- Some of us help people

- Some of us use crystals as a spiritual supplement or to aid in cleansing and bringing in positive energy

- We are (mostly), all different 

Donts:

- We don't know everything

- We don't always predict things

- We don't all do love or pregnancy readings

- We aren't what you see in Hollywood, or "Phone Psychic" ads

- We don't remove curses (do not trust anyone who says they can)

- We don't solely do readings from tarot cards or pendulums (I would be cautious with people who solely rely on cards, tea leaves, pendulums, and the like to "read" people)

- We can't tell you what to do or make life decisions for you

- We can't tel you exactly who you'll marry, or when, how, etc

- We don't need to see you naked to read you! This may seem obvious but there have been far too many cases of people getting taken advantage of by creepy frauds on various platforms

- We don't all see auras, but most could learn how

- We don't learn our abilities/ how to be psychic we are either born with them or we aren't (there are only a select few things that people can learn how to do, aura reading is one of them)

- We don't literally read your mind

- We don't need a bunch of your personal info (full name, birthday, location, etc)

- We don't all "see" dead people (except, I do :P )

*Please note that these lists are condensed for the purpose of this article and there are many more examples that can and may be added to these lists!*

In conclusion, there are stereotypes upon stereotypes about spiritually gifted people. In the years to come, I'm sure more will pop up as the way we are viewed changes and develops. 

The Ouija Situation

I was sitting in my room, on a Skype call when I started getting texts from my sister regarding her friends. Her friend had shown her a photo of a window in his house, saying that he was seeing things run around his house, the window had been broken and that someone had been scratched, among other experiences. I read the photo, immediately seeing that there was three spirits in his home. Two of them, were the same person. 

First, I saw the girl, wearing a hospital gown, her arms waving side to side in the air, an unnatural grin on her face. Her hair was damp and looked dark. Her skin looked sickly and the laugh she emanated was bone chilling. I saw that she was projecting a male image (which can clearly be seen in the photo I was sent, she was standing behind him / the projection)along with her true image (what she looked like in life). 

I saw her locked up in a hospital and restrained. I saw that she was violent, and extremely mentally ill. I felt that she took joy in harming people, and enjoyed scaring people. I also saw that she was messing with their phones and hiding around their house. I saw that she had been locked up for some time and had tried to harm her family. I also saw that she had been alive not too too long ago. I figured around the late 90s. 

Soon after I started my reading on the photo, relaying my messages through text to my sister, who then relayed them to her friend, my sister came through my bedroom door with her friend on the phone. I could tell right away that this boy was terrified. Normally, teenage boys don't want to appear scared or frightened, especially in front of their buddies. But he, and the other two boys involved were clearly distraught over the situation. I took the phone call and told them to slowly explain what happened. 

According to her friend that I spoke to, they had bought a Ouija board earlier, and decided to mess with it in a small building. As they were describing how they used the ouija board, I saw someone hanging from a noose, and I saw blood. 

Come to find out, as her friend was explaining himself, it was confirmed that the location in which they used the ouija board wasn't too far from the Norwich State Hospital for the (sometimes criminally) insane. He also said that "We followed all the rules, we said goodbye" Well, I hope this is a reminder for everyone reading, that it doesn't matter if you follow the rules, it doesn't matter if you're polite or think its a game. The Ouija has no pure intentions or uses, it is not safe and should never be used. 

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During the phone call, I gave instructions and advice on what to do to calm the situation at the home. I told him to either burn or return the Ouija Board and told the homeowner to reclaim his space without being aggressive and without provoking the spirit. I told him to expect to be rushed by the spirit, and that if anything else were to happen that night, he wouldn't see it coming, as this spirit is very sneaky and stayed low to the ground. Obviously still concerned, the boys asked if there was anything else I could do for them. So, I invited them to come to our house and I would help them cleanse themselves. I put together a small bag of frankincense, frankincense oil and myrrh cones, so they could each cleanse their own homes as an extra precaution. I had them stand outside on our deck, and I helped them cleanse, pushing any and all negative energy out and into the ground. Fortunately, I think the spirit was more attached to the house they brought it to, rather than the boys. 

Since I cleansed them, I haven't heard any concerns from the boys or requests for further help, which is a good sign. 

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