I originally posted this blog after the first couple of episodes of Long Island Medium in September of 2011 but I didn’t expect to receive over 2,000 readers every week. So I decided to rewrite the blog and clarify my opinions now that we have seen a lot more episodes of this show.
For me, the effect of Long Island Medium has shifted from, “Is Theresa Caputo fake?” to, “Are Theresa Caputo’s practices ethically acceptable?” That question arises in my mind whenever I see the show, although I don’t watch it very often because it elicits such a negative response in me. I have been doing various types of readings for many years (I was a child medium) but my instincts told me from a very early age not to read people without those people approaching me first. I just don’t do it. Observing Caputo go about her daily life on the show and approaching nearly everybody she meets with messages from their loved ones strikes me as so very wrong.
This is my problem with approaching strangers and trying to talk to them about their dead loved ones: a doctor or psychiatrist would never walk up to someone in a public setting and start talking about the health of the person or the health of their loved ones. I personally believe that intuitives, psychics and mediums should hold themselves to the same ethical standards as doctors and psychiatrists. There is a time and a place to talk about such personal things and it is not, in my opinion, in the middle of the produce section or in a dentist’s office. The process of going through a reading with a medium is extremely personal when it’s done correctly. It’s an exchange of energy. It’s intimate. Both parties have to open themselves to the exchange of energy, which means it should be done in a private setting, not because someone came up to you in the produce section and said something like, “I’m a medium and I have your Uncle Fred here.” We only see people react positively to this on the show, for the most part, but I would like to know what happens when people don’t react well. Not everybody wants to be read. In fact, when I ask people about this, virtually everyone says they would never want to be read without their permission. It’s an invasion of spiritual privacy.
Then the excuse becomes about Theresa not being able to control who comes through and when. It’s just that – an excuse. Mediums all over the world learn how to control the who, what, when, why and how of doing their work every single day and if she wanted to learn, she could. There seems to be an enjoyment of the attention on her part that makes her reluctant to learn to control when and how she does her readings. The vast majority of average mediums you will meet will tell you first and foremost that they are not in “medium mode” all the time. If they were, they wouldn’t be able to function in their own daily life. That’s exactly what’s happening here. She does not appear to be in control of her daily life because she is always wandering off to read somebody new. At least, that’s how the show portrays her. When you are an intuitive, psychic or medium, you have to learn to control how and when and where you work, otherwise the work will control you. There has to be work time and personal time. In the way the show portrays Theresa, there are no lines dividing work from personal in her life and it does affect the rest of her family, not to mention herself.
At first I thought I was being a stickler about my own ethical practices, so I asked a few other intuitive colleagues who have many more years of experience on me. The responses were generally the same.
Me: What do you think of the way Theresa Caputo does things?
Colleagues: [exasperated sigh] Don’t get me started.
Discussions with other intuitives, psychics and mediums always lead to the same conclusion. It isn’t so much whether she has genuine abilities or not. The bigger issue is the way she conducts herself when she’s not “on the clock”, so to speak. Every intuitive, psychic and medium needs down time. The medium needs to learn as soon as possible after discovering such abilities to control them and develop a system of being in “normal mode” and “psychic mode” for lack of better terms. When you don’t learn to turn it on and off, the abilities begin to control your life. Before you know it, you can’t set foot outside of your home without being bombarded by psychic impressions and messages from the spirit world. People who lived that way are on the fast track to forgetting to live for today and allowing their abilities to get in the way of personal relationships. I see this happening with Theresa in the way that her family reacts when she starts reading people out of the blue. When you can’t go to the dentist or go out to dinner with your family without approaching people to read them, you are letting the abilities control you too much, in my opinion. Setting aside the emotional needs of your family and being largely absent even when you are physically present with them is a definite indicator that being a “medium” has completely taken over your life. So my biggest concern about Theresa is that she’s not properly managing her abilities. I’m playing devil’s advocate by assuming that her abilities are as genuine as she portrays, not saying that they actually are that genuine.
People coming to this blog do so largely because they have searched the phrase “Theresa Caputo fake” and that clearly means people are looking for me or anyone else to provide some magic answer as to whether she is genuine or fake. I don’t have that answer. I personally don’t believe in declaring someone fake or real when I have never met them. I have friends in the paranormal television industry and the fact of the matter is the way the shows turn out are not in the control of the people in front of the camera unless they are directing or editing the particular episode. A television show can be edited in a million different ways depending on who is in control and any television show can be edited to show a person as being genuine or dishonest. This television show does portray Theresa as a genuine medium but I have seen enough shows edited to death that I can’t say for sure if she is real or not. We are only seeing twenty-two minutes of Theresa’s life every week. Nobody can accurately judge the reality of her world from twenty-two minutes of a seven day period, especially when there are production crews and editors in control of how she is portrayed.
That being said, I have seen some red flags in the way she does things on the show.
My primary concern is that she has a habit of asking a lot of questions of her clients. In a lot of readings, she starts with broad topics and, depending on the answers provided by the client, she will narrow it down from there. That is a classic example of a cold reading. Anybody can do a cold reading if they know how to look at body language and understand the subtle responses by the other person. This is an example from one of her early episodes.
Theresa: What’s going on with his head?
Client: He was shot in the head.
Theresa: Because I feel like bam right in the head.
Of course, playing devil’s advocate, I will have to say that it simply could be her reading style and the way she conducts conversations in other settings as well. I don’t know. I do know that asking so many questions during readings is a red flag for me that perhaps there is cold reading afoot.
My educated guess based on strictly watching the television show is that Theresa Caputo probably does have some kind of intuitive ability but I truthfully don’t think it’s as amazing as the show portrays. Very few mediums have such an accuracy rate as what is being portrayed on her show. I’m much more concerned about the fact that she’s approaching strangers in public places trying to talk to them about extremely personal things. One day it’s not going to go very well for her and she could get hurt. It’s also impossible to measure her accuracy rate when she is being edited by a production crew. I have seen it happen before in paranormal television where the talent will feel so much pressure to provide results that the original reason why they began the work no longer exists and it all becomes about producing results that shock and stun their audiences. The pressure will make otherwise intelligent, honest people do things that would ordinarily be called shady and greedy. Alleged mediums who put themselves on television or in the public eye are under a lot of pressure to produce shocking results, which will inevitably push them to exaggerate their abilities. Theresa may be headed down that road if she’s not careful.
In short, do I think Theresa Caputo is real? I think she does care about the people who come to her and who she approaches. I think she has some kind of intuition. Do I think she’s a full-blown medium with shocking and amazing results every single time as portrayed on her show? No. I don’t believe that just because I know how the shows are edited and also because all of the mediums I work with every day don’t have such amazing and stunning results like that every single time. Mediums, like anyone else, are fallible people who will misinterpret things. Do I think television shows are an accurate portrayal of any paranormal subject? Absolutely not. Television shows should be rated as entertainment only and should never be something to teach people.
Whether or not you choose to get a reading from any person claiming to be an intuitive, psychic or medium really has to be up to you. Use your best judgment. If the person you’re considering getting a reading from makes you uncomfortable in any way, that’s probably your intuition telling you not to do it. Also, consider why you want the reading in the first place before you go into it. If the fees the reader charges seem excessive, listen to your instincts. Don’t wait around for someone like me or anyone else with a blog to tell you if someone is real or not. You are very capable of deciding that for yourselves. My only cautionary reminder is that you can’t possibly reach an entirely complete conclusion about any person just based on watching them on television. That’s why I’m not going to say whether Theresa is absolutely real or absolutely fake. I’ve never met her, so I don’t know. I only know what is being conveyed to me through her television show and that is the only evidence I have to go on at this point. I have drawn my conclusions based on the television show but it is possible that if I met her in the future, my opinion could change. I don’t know. I do know that we are very different in our practices. I also know that her television show has opened up a dialogue about standards and practices among other mediums. I consider those to be good things.
>I'll definitely be watching this one to see if I like it or not. Thank you for the review!
>l like her show and it's great that she has a two year waiting list! Sucks for the people who want readings from her now.
There is an amazing psychic named Justin Terry that I swear by. He is only 23 years old but he's really gifted and amazing.
Here is his website:
http://justinterrymedium.com/
>I'm fascinated by this. I just saw her show for the first time yesterday. Excellent observations on your part. I, too, noticed this "cold reading" which makes me wonder. Just so you'll know I emailed Theresa with the link to this. Perhaps she can see how it seems to her viewers.
>I was wondering if she might be an "intuitive."
And I don't mean that in a belittling way. I know in some circles it's fashionable to dismiss the intuitive, and call it just a way for people who maybe don't have a lot of developed psi abilities to get around that.
But if people who need help recognize keen intuition as an ability that can comfort them or bring them to a place of peace, then since when am I queen of the world to say it's not valid?
The people Theresa talks to, as you say, appear to receive a benefit from it. If any have been harmed or felt deceived, there's nothing about it on the internet, and in today's world, any such thing would be there the next day, whether it was on the show or not.
Sorry didn't mean to write a book. Just wanted to say I agree with you she's doing good work!
I agree with you one hundred percent on all aspects. I saw her show for the first time yesterday, two hours of it. I didn’t like the fact that she approaches people and springs all this info on them. She seems like she gets a rush from this, and is just for her reinforcement.. She can go about by giving them a business card and say i am a medium if you are interested this is where you can contact me…but that doesn’t make a show. One other thing i noticed in this two hours, she seems to be able to sense and hear from ppl who have passed away within a year or two..not one of the shows, (but haven’t seen to many to even know if she is able to hear from deceased more than 5 years). Not sure how all this works. But if she is able to comfort ppl then she is doing a wonderful thing. Wish she was around 10yrs ago when my dad passed away. All in all i think she has a wonderful personalty very attractive and her family as well.. love the dog!!
Actually, I’m quite a fan of Theresa Caputo. I believe that her show is much more real then other ones on T.V. right now. I know just springing on people in public about their deceased loved ones is a little intruding, but in the end, everytime, the person is much more at peace with themself once they get over the suprise of it all. I’ve watched Theresa for a long time now, and she does read any kind of deceased life. She’s communicated with someone’s mother that died 18 years ago and even a dog that’s passed. She just feels more legitimate to me than others, despit “technicalities” that viewers see on the show.
Where can u be reached if I want a reading?
I believe that anyone who does readings for others should have a strict code of ethics. To go up and start reading someone (unasked and in front of a film crew) is violating them – in my opinion. If someone feels compelled to do something like that, on a regular basis, it appears to be more of an egotistical issue of them wanting attention rather than to genuinely want to help others.
Almost anyone can do a “cold reading” – that’s not necessarily being intuitive, but observant.
Those of us who legitimately care about others and want to help them would never spring this sort of thing on an unsuspecting stranger… particularly in front of a film crew. It makes you wonder if your conversations with them are genuine, private or just for show. I’ll stick to private, confidential readings with clients… that way I know I’ll be able to look myself in the mirror and feel good about what I do.
First, Jessica, who are you? Never heard of you. Could there be a little jealousy behind your opinion? Or is it that money is the issue since, if you approached someone with a message from a loved one in public, you would not be able to charge for a reading. I totally disagree with you as I,for one, would love for a medium to give me a message from a passed love one anywhere I may happen to be at the time. I did a little survey of my own and could not find one person that would not welcome being approached with a live reading so your “concerns” seem unfounded to me. In regard to your “ethical standards” this blog could look like you are dishing Theresa to take advantage of her popularity and spread your name. Just expressing my opinion as you did yours.
I think Jessica’s blog was helpful, it wasn’t dismissive of Mrs. Caputo in the least and as with her blogs lets her readers make up their own mind.
I’ve never seen the show.. the idea of someone randomly coming up to me in a grocery store,mall, my favorite restaurant and telling me “Grandpa says hi” or “Everything’s wonderful on the other side” freaks me out. For one thing it’s intrusive to have a stranger come up and give details about yourself in front of a TV camera. And for another, in my humble opinion if people wanted to know if their deceased were okay.. all they have to do is find a quiet space and ask, the answer will come.
Anyway, i’ve babbled enough. Thank you for the blog Jessica.
First, Melinda, Who are you?! Never heard of you. Could there be a little jealousy behind your opinion? Or is it that you are just a troll looking to post your unwanted opinion anywhere anyone will have you? Secondly, It absolutely does have to do with money. She would do readings free if she didn’t have to earn money in order to survive. That’s something people do everyday. Its called a job. Of course I’m sure that is something you wouldn’t understand as I am sure you are one of those people who expect everything to be given to you. What you are failing to remember is that Theresa is absolutely paid for her readings. Not only does she charge the people that she has booked but the show PAYS her to film her. Which includes the times she rudely approaches people and gets them to air out their emotions and family secrets on tv for the world to see just so she can feel validated.
So by doing your own survey I assume you just turned around from your computer and asked your half dozen or so cats what they thought, correct? I actually am curious did you do their voices for them too???
As for how this blog will be perceived, I think the word you meant to use was “Dissing” instead of “Dishing” which according to Merriam – Websters dictionary means to; Put (food) onto a plate or plates before a meal or Dispense something in a casual or indiscriminate way. The latter is actually how this blog was presented. So maybe you did mean to use “dishing”, but come on, lets be real, I’d be giving way too much credit than a half- wit like you deserves.
But, hey, I’m just expressing my opinion as you did yours
Now run along and let the adults discuss. Desperate Single Women who love dressing up their cats isn’t going to look at itself.
I too believe that most people would welcome a message from a loved one who has passed, regardless of where they might happen to be. I think Theresa’s enthusiasm and the fact that she IS willing to approach people may be why so many spirts choose her to get their messages through. I highly doubt that any of those people would have sought out a medium on their own, so the spirits are taking the initiative. I appreciate that you are not calling her out as a fake because I happen to believe she is the real deal with lots of passion for sharing her gift! Just my opinion.
People may or may not welcome a spontaneous public message from a deceased loved one. The point is that it is not the medium’s right to make that decision for them. Even if a medium feels moved by spirit to deliver a message, they should ask if the person is willing to receive it first, and if so, deliver it as privately as possible.
Fair enough! And since this is an “edited for television” show, we have no idea how many people do actually turn her away!
Melinda, I am only wasting energy on a reply to you because I think you need to be told that personal attacks get you nowhere. Look at the comment made by “Debbie” further down; she doesn’t necessarily agree with Jessica but she doesn’t pull any childish name-calling and is therefore going to be treated as someone with an opinion that is respected. Just something to think about before you go on the warpath next time.
Really, if Jess wanted to dish on Theresa she could have said a lot more, I thought she was rather kind and respectful. Not everyone is looking for fame and rude people need to relax. I agree with Jess’ issue regarding ethical standards and I being a simple nobody canadian with no talents whatsoever, would STRONGLY dislike it if someone came up to me and brought up info about a dead loved one. Never mind a cold reading, even if this psychic/medium was genuine I would say “you need to back out of my personal space. If my loved one is bothering you tell them to get lost.”
I am a little skeptic of the show, but I have never met Theresa and won’t judge her on her character. I judge solely what I see on TV. Jess this is a nice blog entry, thank you for sharing your feelings and concerns.
I feel we should remember that this is still a television show on TLC. We have no idea of how Theresa Caputo really conducts these spontaneous readings or private sessions in reality.
HELLO JESSICA MY NAME IS SUSAN AND I NEED TO ASK YOU A QUESTION. COULD YOU PLEASE FACEBOOK ME. IVE ONLY BEEN USING A COMPUTER A COUPLE OF YEARS. THIS IS ALL NEW TO ME. TY SUSAN
I agree with your opinions on Theresa Capitol. One thing the show doesn’t edit is her family’s feelings; yet, they’re the ones who are looked upon negatively.
Another issue I have that I didn’t see you address is her charges as a medium. I assume she charges for private sessions, but when she walks up to random strangers, she isn’t charging them. If I had to pay for a private session, I would be extremely upset. I’d rather wander around Long Island and hope I run into her. Just my thoughts.
I have been watching LI Medium for the past few months and am totally fascinated with it. I’ve watched a marathon of season 1 and am now watching all episodes of season 2. I’m seeing Theresa in person later today at 3pm at the Tarrytown Music Hall in Tarrytown, NY and will participate in the meet and greet afterwards.
I believe she is real but I also know how TV can edit the heck out of any program to make it look good or bad. I have been in the entertainment business behind and on camera and also have been a professional psychic since 2007.
I have many worldwide clients and always put them first and make myself available to them as much as I can. I feel that is how Theresa is. I know Jess feels that’s an excuse that she can’t help it but I feel Theresa and I don’t want to let our clients down and if a message needs to be delivered, then it needs to be delivered otherwise we can’t let it go til it gets delivered as seen in the episode where the spirit of a 6 year old child was with Theresa for a week to get in contact with his mother and relay his message. She kept telling him his mother wasn’t ready but the spirit was insistent and she kept having to follow through and give her the message, then the spirit left Theresa after she finally spoke to his mother. Theresa has mentioned on her show on different episodes that when she goes up to people who don’t want to be read, then she keeps on walking but most people she finds, want to get read.
I wouldn’t mind her coming up to me in the supermarket, parking lot or wherever. I would appreciate that. You have to grab the opportunity when you can get it. I too am on a 2 year waiting list for her. I read her fees are affordable.
She also explains why some people might be reluctant to get read in public because they don’t want people hearing what personal information comes out or they are afraid something embarrassing will come out they don’t want others to hear. Theresa knows when this might happen. She doesn’t want to embarrass anyone and will caution the person first that something is coming out and will ask person’s permission to say it out loud.
I agree with Jess that psychics/mediums need to have down time. I’m not in psychic mode 24/7 but if I have a client waiting to talk to me, then I stop what I’m doing to take his/her call. I don’t like to keep my clients waiting, but I don’t go approaching people either. Everyone has their own style. This style seems to work for Theresa. She knows she can’t please everyone and does the best she can. I’m grateful and appreciate that she tries to help as many people as she can even it’s for free or sometimes at cost of her family time. Seems to me the family understands this is her mission in life and though they find it annoying or inconvenient, they still view her as the best mom and wife in the world.
I think from reading this – it’s sour grapes. She is for real and is very talented, gifted and altho you are a Medium (self proclaimed, I have no evidence) you do not have a TV show or a 2-3 yr waiting period for readings.
I would put more energy into positive things for your life in your blog, and your Medium business/bookings/quality than spending it trying to tear down your competition.
So in your opinion someone has to be on television to be valid? I disagree strongly with that assumption. Jessica wasn’t calling her out, she was asked to watch the show and gave her opinion, which last i checked everyone (including Jessica) is allowed to have.
Do not pass go! Do not collect $200!
That was supposed to be a reply to “Pat” but it looks like it posted as its own comment. Whoops!
she is a complete fraud she did a reading at my last house i lived in for the girl downstairs and her friends. she was off about everything. she always says is there a p or an a or some letter. if she was talking to the dead she would get the name from them and not have to ask anybody anything. the girl downstairs name was kelly who coincidently was on her last show at cross roads bar in hicksville. it was a complete set up when theresa picked her and told her story. like she didnt remember her yeah right. fae as can be and takes these poor suckers hard earned money.