🚩 5 Red Flags to Watch Out For in Psychic Reading & Healing Sessions

Have you ever been in a reading or healing session where something just didn’t feel right — and your intuitive alarm bells started going off? In this post, I’m sharing the most common red flags to watch out for when receiving a session, and why they matter. Whether you’re a client or a practitioner, these insights can help you stay grounded, empowered, and aligned with your truth.

Watch the full video here:

Trusting Your Intuitive Alarm Bells

While I’ll be focusing mainly on what to look for when you’re on the receiving end of a reading or healing, what I’m sharing here can also be valuable for practitioners to reflect on.

I was inspired to record this after talking with a friend at a metaphysical fair. She had recently received a reading where something felt “off,” and her intuition immediately alerted her to it. That conversation made me realize how important it is to talk about these red flags — what they are, and why they matter.

Before diving in, I want to say this clearly: experiencing one of these red flags doesn’t automatically mean a practitioner holds ill intent or is "bad". Some may simply be inexperienced, going through a growth period, or unaware of how their words or methods affect others. However, being aware of these signs helps you stay grounded in your own energy and discernment, which is most important.

Red Flag #1: “Should,” “Have to,” and “Need to”

Words like should, have to, or need to are major red flags. These phrases squash your free will — one of the most sacred aspects of being human.

When guidance comes through in a reading or channeling session, it’s meant to be for your consideration, not a command. You are never required to follow what’s said, even if it comes from a well-known psychic or respected healer & teacher.

Always cross-check what you hear with your own intuition and Higher Self. If something doesn’t feel right, listen to that. Your body and spirit know what’s true for you.

Guides often make suggestions — “You might want to try this” or “You could explore that” — but the difference is in tone and permission. Guidance that honors free will always feels spacious, supportive, and empowering.

Red Flag #2: “Let Me Adjust Your Energy”

If a practitioner says they’ll reach into your energy field and make adjustments themselves, that’s a big red flag.

We are healthiest and most vital when:

1. Our consciousness is fully in our body, and

2. We’re running on our own energy and information.

When someone else reaches into your field and “fixes” you using their own energy, they’re introducing foreign energy into your system — which can create imbalances or discomfort. It’s also draining for them because they’re giving away their life force energy.

There’s a distinction here: in many energy healing modalities (like Reiki), the healer serves as a channel for high-frequency energy to flow through them — not from them. The Reiki (or other high vibrational healing) energy itself does the work.

Similarly, in intuitive healing practices, a healer might collaborate with high-vibrational guides or beings of light to make adjustments safely. But if someone says “I’ll do it myself” or “I’ll give you my energy”, that’s a sign to pause.

You have every right to ask questions about a practitioner’s process — before or during a session. It’s your energy body. Think of it like visiting a doctor: you wouldn’t let them administer treatment without explaining what they’re doing.

Red Flag #3: “They Told Me…” — But Who Are They?

If you’re in a session and the practitioner says “they’re telling me this” without clarifying who they are, that’s another red flag.

It’s vital to know who or what energies a reader is channeling or connecting with. If the practitioner can’t identify them or provide context, that’s concerning.

Sometimes, practitioners channel collectives — groups of higher-dimensional beings who work together. That’s perfectly valid when they can describe the collective’s nature, purpose, and vibration.

But when “they” appears out of nowhere with no explanation, you have every right to question it.

Red Flag #4: Fear-Based Messages

Any message that uses fear or control — such as “If you don’t do this, something bad will happen” — is a serious red flag.

Fear-based communication is often used to create dependency or urgency. True spiritual guidance empowers you, not frightens you.

Y

es, a practitioner may notice something in your energy field or physical body that needs attention, and it’s fine to share that compassionately. But absolute predictions — “this will happen and there’s nothing you can do” — ignore one key truth: free will exists.

Energy can only ever be read from the present moment, and we always have the power to shift and change our trajectory at any time. There are no fixed outcomes.

Red Flag #5: Badmouthing Other Practitioners

Unfortunately, this happens. If a reader or healer speaks negatively about another practitioner, that’s an energetic red flag.

This kind of behavior usually stems from insecurity, competition, or a scarcity mindset. It’s not aligned with the spirit of collaboration and respect that truly serves the healing community.

A high-vibrational practitioner will lift others up and stay focused on their own work — not compare or diminish others.

No “Good, Better, Best” in Spiritual Work

Here’s something important to remember: there’s no hierarchy in healing.

Every practitioner brings a unique piece of the puzzle — their own voice, frequency, and way of connecting with Spirit. No one is “better” than anyone else. We’re all here to help each other evolve and heal in our own timing.

So if anyone ever claims to be “more advanced” or the “best,” take it as another gentle red flag.

Stay in Your Power and Trust Yourself

I hope these insights help you feel empowered when receiving or offering readings and healings. Whether you’re seeking guidance or developing your practice, remember: your intuition is your compass.

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to step back. You never need to give your power away — to anyone.

If you’d like to go deeper into understanding energy and learning how to work in partnership with Spirit, I teach a six-month training called Intuitive Freedom — a comprehensive program where you’ll learn to read, heal, and shift energy safely.

I also offer mentorship and private sessions if you feel guided to work with me one-on-one. You can read my own personal FAQ about my services here.