A Candid Look Inside the Life of a Telephone Psychic

The world of telephone psychics is often shrouded in mystery and skepticism, but for one former editor, it became a six-month journey into the lives of strangers seeking guidance. Anna Stothard, who previously published four novels, took on a role as a telephone psychic, navigating the blurred lines of empathy, honesty, and the human need for connection.

Stothard’s venture began after she left her job as an editor to pursue her writing career. Faced with writer’s block and a desire to start a family, she stumbled upon an advertisement that promised an opportunity to “use your intuition to help others find clarity.” Intrigued, she applied, not entirely convinced of her own abilities but eager for a change.

February 1, 2024, marks the release of Stothard’s novel, *Follow Her*, which reflects her experiences in the psychic world. The novel explores the complexities of relationships between psychics and their clients, highlighting the emotional nuances often overlooked in such interactions.

The job started with a brief interview that included no tests or assessments of psychic ability. Soon after, Stothard found herself sitting on her living room floor, headset on, ready to take calls. Initially, her experience was marked by silence; for weeks, no one called.

It wasn’t until a man reached out during an early morning shift that her psychic journey began. He expressed dissatisfaction with his job, and despite Stothard’s lack of true psychic insight, she offered a semblance of support. This experience set the tone for her subsequent interactions, revealing a common thread among callers: a yearning to be heard.

As her confidence grew, so did the number of calls. Stothard listened to people share their concerns, often without seeking the magical predictions she was supposed to provide. Most sought a sympathetic ear, someone to validate their feelings and offer simple advice.

The structure of the job was financially challenging; Stothard earned 20p per minute, increasing to 25p after 14 minutes. Working more than 10 hours a week could bump up her earnings, but she found it difficult to make a living. Despite the financial strain, she continued taking calls.

Over time, her conversations became more layered. One caller, who was struggling with intense anxiety, relied on Stothard’s “guidance” to navigate her fears. While Stothard aimed to encourage her to seek professional help, the woman often returned, hoping for comfort rather than solutions.

Stothard’s experience highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by those in the psychic industry. The rapid rise of online influencers offering psychic services adds another layer to this complex field. Unlike the infamous Psychic Readers Network, which faced backlash in the early 2000s for deceptive practices, Stothard’s company provided clear pricing and emphasized that services were for entertainment purposes.

As her time as a psychic progressed, Stothard began to feel the emotional weight of her callers’ struggles. She encountered a woman who asked whether her deceased mother was disappointed in her, and during the call, Stothard felt an overwhelming sense of empathy. The woman’s subsequent review praised Stothard for her insight, though the reality was that she had simply listened.

The emotional toll began to escalate. Stothard became deeply attuned to the pain and loneliness expressed through the phone lines. The guilt of pretending to have supernatural abilities weighed heavily on her conscience.

The turning point came during a call with a woman desperate to conceive. Stothard sensed the woman’s vulnerability and desire for hope. Rather than offer false reassurances, she chose to end the call with kindness, realizing that perpetuating the cycle of dependence was not the right path.

Reflecting on her time as a telephone psychic, Stothard recognizes the fine line between providing comfort and crossing into exploitation. While her experiences were not fraudulent in the traditional sense, they reveal a broader commentary on human connection and the complexities of emotional support in a world increasingly reliant on technology.

As she prepares for the release of *Follow Her*, Stothard hopes to shed light on the intricacies of her journey and the ethical considerations surrounding psychic services. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine connection and the human need to be heard, regardless of the medium through which that support is offered.