Inside the World of Telephone Psychics: A Personal Journey

During a six-month stint as a telephone psychic, former editor Anna Stothard found herself navigating the complexities of human emotions rather than performing supernatural feats. Trading in her editing desk for a headset, Stothard embraced a role that required her to listen to the heartfelt dilemmas of callers seeking guidance during vulnerable moments.

Stothard’s journey began after she left her job to pursue writing, only to discover that creative block and personal desires for motherhood weighed heavily on her. An advertisement promising remote work as a psychic piqued her interest, leading her to apply for a position that seemed to promise both flexibility and a semblance of purpose. The hiring process, however, was far from rigorous—she was quickly contracted after a brief conversation, with no real assessment of her claimed abilities.

Initially, Stothard struggled to attract clients, receiving no calls for the first two weeks. Her first interaction came unexpectedly when a man rang in to express dissatisfaction with his job. Although her response was merely a surface-level observation, it marked the beginning of her journey into the often sad and complicated world of telephone psychics. As she began to receive more calls, the nature of the conversations revealed that many callers were seeking not just psychic insight, but a compassionate ear.

While the pay was modest—ranging from 20p per minute to 25p for longer calls—the emotional toll of her work began to accumulate. Stothard learned that many callers were grappling with loneliness and needed someone to share their thoughts with rather than seeking true clairvoyance. Common inquiries included whether an ex was thinking of them or if a partner was unfaithful, with many callers already knowing the answers deep down.

As her testimonials grew, so did the expectations from her clients. A woman who had lost her mother expressed doubts about her mother’s feelings towards her, and Stothard found herself unexpectedly burdened by the emotional weight of the call. This interaction, along with others, led her to the realization that she was becoming increasingly attuned to the pain and struggles of her callers.

The industry has seen a shift in regulation since the early 2000s, moving away from the deceptive practices that plagued it then. Stothard noted that her employer provided clear pricing and a disclaimer stating the service was “for entertainment purposes only.” Despite this, she grappled with the moral implications of her role, particularly when she encountered vulnerable clients who relied heavily on her for guidance.

One of the most challenging moments came during a call with a woman who had been trying to conceive for five years. Stothard felt an overwhelming connection, realizing the emotional stakes involved. Instead of offering false hope, she chose to provide a gentle and vague response, recognizing the importance of honesty over manipulation.

Ultimately, Stothard decided to leave the psychic hotline after a particularly poignant call that made her reflect on the moral complexities of her job. She recognized that her role, while offering some comfort, was not a substitute for professional support, particularly for those facing mental health challenges.

As she transitions back to writing, Stothard has taken the lessons learned from her time as a telephone psychic, now exploring themes of empathy and the fine line between support and deception in her upcoming novel, Follow Her, set to be released on February 1, 2024, by Lake Union. Through her experiences, she aims to shed light on the intricate dynamics of human connection and the often unrecognized needs behind a call for help.