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What to Expect at Your First Psychic Medium Reading

ReadingsBy Rev. Berta Kay9 min read

Welcoming candlelit reading table with two empty chairs viewed from the doorway

Booking your first psychic medium reading can feel like a big step. Most people who sit down with me for the first time tell me the same thing afterward: "That was so much more relaxed than I expected." A good reading is not scary, not strange, and not a test you can fail. It is a warm conversation — with a little help from Spirit.

I have been seeing Spirit since I was a small child, and I have read for people for more than fifty years. In that time I have learned that the best thing I can do for a first-time guest is simply explain what will happen. So here it is, from the moment you reach out to the moment you leave.

Before your reading: how to book

Everything starts with a simple request. You can call, text, send a WhatsApp message, or use the form on the contact page. I will call you back myself to find a time that suits you. You choose between a 15-minute and a 30-minute session, and you choose whether to sit with me in person in Fultonville, New York, or to have your reading by phone from wherever you are.

There is nothing you need to prepare, buy, or study beforehand. If you like, you can think about the area of your life you would most like guidance on — love, family, work, a decision you are facing — but you do not have to. Spirit often has its own agenda, and part of the joy of a reading is being surprised by what comes through.

One practical note: payment is made after your reading, never before. I accept all major credit cards, Square and Cash App. You should never feel pressured about money when you are seeking guidance, and paying afterward means you only pay for a reading you actually received.

When you arrive (or when the phone rings)

If you come to me in Fultonville, you will be welcomed in and made comfortable. If we read by phone, I will call you at our agreed time — find a quiet spot where you can relax and speak freely. Either way, we begin the same way: with a few minutes of ordinary conversation. I want you at ease, because a relaxed guest receives a clearer reading.

I will explain how I work. I am a psychic medium, which means I perceive information about your life and I connect with loved ones in Spirit. I am also a tarot and oracle card reader, so cards may come into your session as well — you can read more about that side of my work on the tarot and oracle card readings page.

You do not need to tell me your life story. In fact, I prefer that you do not. The less you feed me, the more you will know that what comes through is genuinely from Spirit and not from your own hints.

What actually happens during the reading

Every reading is different, because every person and every spirit is different. But most first readings follow a gentle rhythm.

First, I tune in to your energy. I may describe your personality, your current situation, or things on your mind. Guests are often surprised at how specific this part can be — names, places, and little details that I could not possibly have known.

Then, if loved ones in Spirit step forward, I will describe who is coming through: how they looked, how they passed, their character, or memories they share with you. My job is to give you enough evidence that you can recognise exactly who is speaking. Then come the messages — and they are almost always messages of love, encouragement, and reassurance.

Finally, there is time for your questions. You can ask about anything: relationships, career, moves, family. If something is unclear, ask me to explain it another way. This is your time.

What a reading is not

Let me put a few worries to rest, because I hear them often:

  • A reading is not frightening. Spirit communicates with love. I do not deliver doom, curses, or dire predictions — that is not how genuine mediumship works.
  • You cannot "fail" a reading. There is nothing you must do, say, or believe. Just be open and be yourself.
  • You stay in control. You can ask questions, decline to discuss a topic, or end the session at any time.
  • A reading is not a replacement for professional advice. For medical, legal, or financial decisions, always consult a qualified professional. Spirit offers guidance and perspective, not prescriptions.

In person or by phone — does it matter?

Honestly, no. Spirit is not limited by distance, and neither is energy. I have given phone readings to people across the country that were every bit as detailed and moving as readings across my own table. Choose whichever feels more comfortable. Some guests love the atmosphere of sitting with the cards and candles; others love curling up on their own sofa with a cup of tea. Both are perfect.

If you are curious about the other ways I work — Reiki healing, animal communication, or psychic and medium readings in more depth — those pages explain each one.

After your reading

Take a little time for yourself afterward if you can. Many guests like to jot down the names, symbols, or messages that came through, because details that do not make sense on the day often click into place weeks later. It is also completely normal to feel emotional — a reading can touch deep places, in the best way.

There is no obligation to book again. Some people come once for a question that has been weighing on them; others return a few times a year, like a check-in with an old friend. Both are wonderful.

Questions to bring to your reading

You never need a perfect list of questions, but writing down a few thoughts can help you use your time well. Begin with what feels most important today, rather than trying to cover every part of your life at once. A clear, open question gives the reading room to unfold naturally.

Useful questions often begin with words such as what, where, or how. You might ask, “What would help me understand this relationship more clearly?” or “How can I move forward with greater confidence?” Questions like these invite guidance without asking Spirit to make your choices for you.

If you hope to hear from a loved one, you may bring their name quietly in your heart. You do not need to tell me a long story or show me photographs before we begin. Let the connection develop first, then use your questions to explore anything that needs more clarity.

Here are a few gentle prompts you can adapt:

  • What deserves my attention right now?
  • What strength am I overlooking in myself?
  • What can I understand differently about this situation?
  • Is there a message from a loved one that would bring comfort?
  • What practical next step would support the path I want?

It is also fine to arrive with no questions at all. Some of the most meaningful sessions begin with, “I am open to what comes through.” Keep a pen nearby if you enjoy taking notes, but do not let note-taking pull you away from the conversation. You can always pause and write down the details that feel especially important.

How to prepare your space for a phone reading

A phone reading carries the same connection as an in-person session, and a little practical preparation can make it feel calm and personal. Choose a place where you can speak freely and are unlikely to be interrupted. Silence notifications, settle pets if they are likely to demand your attention, and keep a glass of water nearby.

You do not need candles, crystals, special music, or any particular setup. Your comfortable chair, your phone, and a few quiet minutes are enough. If a familiar object helps you feel grounded, place it nearby simply because it comforts you.

Before the call, give yourself a small transition from the rest of the day. Take three slow breaths, loosen your shoulders, and remember that you are not expected to perform. The reading is a conversation, not an examination. If you feel nervous, say so; nervousness is common and usually fades once we begin.

During the session, use speakerphone only if you are in a private place and it helps you relax. Avoid driving, multitasking, or trying to manage another appointment at the same time. Your full attention helps you notice details and ask follow-up questions when something matters.

After we finish, leave yourself ten quiet minutes when possible. Read over any notes, breathe, and let the experience settle before rushing back into errands. If you are deciding whether a phone or in-person appointment suits you best, the psychic and medium readings page offers a helpful overview.

Common first-timer questions

Will I hear from the person I hope to hear from? Often, yes — but Spirit decides who steps forward. Come with an open heart rather than a single expectation, and you will get the most from the session.

What if nothing comes through? In fifty years I have rarely seen a reading where nothing came. If a connection truly is not there, I will tell you honestly.

Can I bring someone? Yes, a friend or family member is welcome to sit with you if that helps you relax.

You will find more answers on the FAQ page, and you can learn about my background and my fifty years of experience on the about page.

Ready when you are

If you have read this far, you are probably ready. Your first reading is simply a conversation — one that has brought comfort, clarity, and a few happy tears to thousands of people before you. Send your reading request and I will call you back to schedule. I look forward to sitting with you.

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Still need help?

Talk to Rev. Berta Kay — she is a quick call away.

Curious what Spirit has for you? Request a 15- or 30-minute reading with Rev. Berta Kay — in person in Fultonville, NY, or by phone from anywhere. Payment is made after your reading.

  • 4514 NY-30A, Fultonville, NY 12072
  • Tuesday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Sunday - Monday: Closed