The Stereotypes That Break My Heart - A Medium’s Reflection on TV Portrayals and the Truth Behind the Work

by Leah Claire

The other night, while watching HBO’s The Gilded Age, a particular scene caught my attention. One of the main characters was seeking to connect with her late husband through a medium.

As someone who does this work every day, I felt a mix of curiosity and concern begin to rise.

Please don’t make a mockery of what I do. Please don’t feed into the old stereotypes—the crystal balls, the smoky rooms, the gypsy scams that prey on the grieving.

I hoped with all my heart that the show would take a different route—that they would portray a real, grounded, ethical medium. Someone who could respectfully, truthfully, and compassionately help deliver a message from the other side.

But by the next episode, it was clear which path they had chosen.

The scene was dripping with cliché:

A candle flickering on the table.

Over-the-top theatrics.

And then came the predictable line from the character’s sister—a warning that people who “do this sort of thing” are only after vulnerable people’s money.

Then she called her a charlatan.

My heart sank.

The Work Is Real. And It’s Sacred.

Yes, it is draining. When I work as a medium, spirit uses my energy—my body—as a conduit.

It’s emotionally and physically intense.

It’s not a performance.

It’s not a game.

It’s a calling.

Like other spiritual guides, those of us who do this work devote ourselves to helping others. And like anyone who gives of themselves in service, we also need to sustain ourselves.

We must be able to live—emotionally, physically, and financially—while continuing to offer this work with presence, integrity, and care.

The Damage of Stereotypes

Unfortunately, so much of the public perception is shaped by fiction and fear.

People hear the word psychic and immediately picture:

• Carnivals

• Crystal balls

• A scene from The Wizard of Oz

That infamous fortune teller digging through her basket, spinning stories, pretending to know things she doesn’t.

From childhood, we’re taught to laugh at it.

Or to be afraid of it.

Or to assume it’s a scam.

Yes—there are people out there who exploit the grieving. That’s a sad reality, and it’s fair to be cautious.

But just as in any profession, there are also deeply ethical, grounded, and spiritually led individuals doing this work with humility and honor.

We offer messages.

We share what comes through to bring clarity, comfort, and healing.

And often, those messages help people move forward with peace.

“It breaks my heart that this work—so filled with love, connection, and service—is so misunderstood.”

This Is Not a Defense—It’s an Invitation

I’m sharing this today not to defend, but to invite:

• To invite compassion

• To invite curiosity

• To invite tolerance for the things you may not fully understand

You don’t have to believe what I believe.

You don’t even have to agree with the way I work.

But I do ask one thing:

Keep an open mind.

Choose respect over ridicule.

There is so much more happening in this world—and beyond it—than what we can always see with our eyes.

Why I’ll Keep Showing Up

I know what this work can do.

I’ve seen it change lives.

And I’ll keep showing up for it—

with truth,

heart,

and humility.