The definition of Paranormal as described by “Wikipedia” is as follows: “Paranormal is a general term that describes unusual experiences that lack a scientific explanation or phenomena alleged to be outside of science's current ability to explain or measure. In parapsychology, it is used to describe the potentially psychic phenomena of telepathy, ESP, psycho kinesis, ghosts, and hauntings. The term is also applied to UFOs, some creatures that fall under the scope of crypto zoology, purported phenomena surrounding the Bermuda Triangle, and other non-psychic subjects. Stories relating to paranormal phenomena are found in popular culture and folklore, but the scientific community, as referenced in statements made by organization such as the United States 'National Science Foundation, contends that scientific evidence does not support paranormal beliefs.” The term Paranormal is a word widely used to describe something that usually cannot be explained in terms that makes sense. Often time’s people will use “Paranormal” to describe or explain an experience or unexplainable phenomena that is beyond the person’s normal understanding of the event. Often times the individual lacks the academics of a natural event, and can’t scientifically grasp the why, and how it works. Most events are of the natural nature, but at times lack enough empirical evidence, or the person experiencing the event is not a scientist. In the field of Paranormal Researchers or otherwise known as Ghost Hunters, they have to interact on many levels. The field investigators must deal with the location, environmental element, weather and most importantly the client that initiated the call. Paranormal teams refer to this individual as the “Client”. The definition of “Client” based from the Merriam-Webster online dictionary states that a “Client” is person who engages the professional advice or services of another. Such as a person who is seeking legal counsel from a lawyer. The client begins by contacting a paranormal team and begins to describe the event or haunting that was experienced. At this point many things should be going through the paranormal investigators mind when interviewing the potential case. The investigator should be considering the agenda or motive of the client’s claims. Does the story should creditable or incredible, and does the client seem truthful. Those are very tall orders to figure out, since you are dealing with a paranormal event, by the very definition makes the story incredible. But you must somehow as the interviewing investigator come up with questions that weed out the thrill seeker client wanting something other than real help with a potentially real problem. What do they want as a result of an investigation? What is the goal should something be found that maybe paranormal? This makes the job of the investigator and the team very tough to decide what cases to take. Paranormal investigators that are interviewing the client must have some protocols and questions in place to help eliminate the weird cases that don’t seem to have merit. How that is accomplished comes with working with your Team and tapping the experience from your Leads and talking with other investigators how they feel out the bad cases versus good cases.
Use common sense when talking to clients. Ask them the difficult questions concerning mental health issues or the biggest tough question; ask if there is anyone on drugs. That includes legal and illegal as well. Those are taboo forms of question, but must be asked. Question and interviews with clients must be logged and documented. All information important to the case should be recorded accurately. Areas and items that need to be recorded are as follows: 1. Mental health 2. Physical health 3. Event details 4. Date of events i.e. when did it begin and how often. 5. Religious status 6. Domestic issues 7. Family history (if pertains to case) 8. History of location 9. Possible outside influences (maybe someone has a grudge) 10. Anything else that seem relevant to the case This is list is not a definitive list, but serves as a basis to begin. This is where experience as an investigator is valuable. While working with the case and the client you will find that clients needs vary, but you must establish a trust relationship with them. Discuss what it is they need from your team, and explain to them what you can do to help. Describe the investigative process and explain how your approach will be concerning their case. Fully disclose protocols and what roles the client will take in the investigation. The matter must be clear or your investigation will start off with problems. Most importantly gain the client’s trust, and insure that all matters of the case are completely private.
The case will never be disclosed without their permission. But mostly gain control of the situation and help calm the client if there seems to be emotional concerns due to the activities they are experiencing and let them know you’re going to help as best as you and your team can. The most valuable tool for any team is “TRUTH”. Without this tool nothing matters. Truthfulness between team members and truthfulness from clients is the most important matter. If there is no honesty the field of Paranormal fails along with any creditability that may have been gained. Honesty is the best policies don’t mislead your team, the client or other groups that you’re working with to help determine evidence. Don’t make false claims concerning experiences or exaggerate the experience for more than it was. Describe experiences in calm and matter of fact reporting techniques. This is similar to a Police Detective reporting crime scene. He is simply stating facts as they seen and reported, and nothing is added. Negative or falsifying evidence is counterproductive to the field of Paranormal Investigation, and any team engaging in this type of activity should be advertised as frauds. The San Antonio Paranormal Network is based in San Antonio Texas. I am member of this team that investigates in and around large central to San Antonio. We as a group and as an individual approach all cases in the scientific manner. Our group actually investigates to disprove an alleged haunting. We build upon the evidence collected and compare to the reports of the client. We consume large amounts of time towards looking for a viable alternative that is in the normal realm of explanation to explain the phenomena or events reported. That does not mean our version is the right explanation but sheds light on the possibility that something normal, not paranormal; is occurring. We first want to always gain the trust of the client and insure that we will help as best we can, and with all the resources available to our team. We want to always exude professionalism as we work and provide to the client comfort and peace to the issues they seem to be having. By showing confidence and strength in knowledge of understanding the unknowns and explain; we can then offer the troubled client a position of strength to fight back. My favorite saying as of late is “Why use the Paranormal to explain; when the normal will work.”
Addressing the question: Do you get paid, and why do I do it?
The simple answer is no, I do not get paid for paranormal investigating. My payments come from helping people. I am a wife, mother and regular member of society. I get up and begin my day like other people. Once people meet me, they say, I am not what they expected. I am really not sure what that means to this day. I wonder if they thought I would have bright green hair, a tambourine, and magical powers. Or maybe, some type of trap for capturing ghosts or a vehicle with a siren like in the 1980's movie Ghost Busters, perhaps. I recall a case where the husband was adamant he was not going to be any part of an investigation. He did not want to be home when we arrived, nor did he want to meet us. His wife was so apologetic for his absence. As the team was setting up the equipment the husband came home. He ended up staying all night. He said he was so relieved and happy to see we were all normal. My question from that day has been, "What exactly is normal?" I have come to believe it is whatever a person’s personal beliefs and thoughts may be. Everyone’s definition of normal is different.
Having a successful and sound running team is very time consuming. It is also costly to keep the operation running to ensure maximum support is available to the community. There is a lot to consider before just jumping in a starting a team. Paranormal investigating is like anything else; you must educate yourself and understand what you are doing. The learning process takes years and you never learn everything there is to know. If you ever reach the point of thinking you know it all, you are in the wrong field. I have seen the following time after time. People throw up a website, go out and visit "alleged" haunted sites, and we call them an investigator. There is so much more to it.
What I giggle about is those who claim to have 15, 20, 30 plus years, yet they are in their 30's. Let’s be honest here, running around with a flashlight, camera, and digital recorder capturing "orbs, light refractions, and "ghost" voices will not cut it. My best times have been spent learning from those who have the experience and solid background in the field.You have to be responsible and use some common sense. Do not feed in to the surrounding and those you may be with. Take all the past stories, claims, and experiences in to account however, do not feed into them. I have seen mass hysteria happen on so many investigations. If you are an investigator and reading this, you know exactly what I mean. To everyone else, I will discuss several of these topics over time. You have a responsibility not only to those who seek your help, but to yourself, and helping add credibility to the field. Many people laugh, roll their eyes, or simply put are nonbelievers. To those I say, that is alright, I am not here to convince you of anything. I respect your stand and beliefs. At the same token; I know what I have experienced. I am a sane and skeptical person, not cynical there is a difference. I have found many people who mock or shy away simply do not understand or are afraid. That is alright too. We all have different opinions and beliefs.
I have seen and experienced so much in this field I could write a book. It could even be a comedy in certain areas. On the serious side, I have met so many great experienced people, and for that, I feel very blessed. As I look back and continue my research, I see how much I have grown personally and spiritually. I do this work to help those individuals who have no where to turn and have unanswered questions. I am not here to boost my name, be ego bound, or use others to obtain or gain anything. I am here for the same reason I was so many years ago; to help. It is that simple! My good friend Jo once said, "Everyone has an agenda, it just may take some time before it surfaces." My agenda was and will always be to help the community and those seeking my assistance.
