Code of Ethics for Mediums and Trance Channelers
A code of ethics provides a crucial foundation for ethical decision-making within any professional field. As individuals, our personal beliefs and biases inevitably shape our decisions, and what may seem like a reasonable course of action in one profession can differ greatly in another. For the mediumship and trance channeling field, a well-defined code of ethics can offer clear structure and guidance, helping practitioners provide fair, high-quality care and fostering public trust. By adhering to a unified set of principles, medium and trance channeling professionals can help their clients feel secure and supported in using their services.
Role of standards for the medium and trance channeling community
Our novel study, Code of Ethics for Mediums and Trance Channelers published in Explore aims to establish clear standards for mediums—individuals who communicate with the deceased—and trance channelers—those who allow the deceased to communicate through them. The practice of mediumship and trance channeling boasts a rich and diverse history across cultures and time periods. In modern times, this field is rapidly expanding and gaining credibility as a legitimate practice. As the field of medium and trance channeling moves toward professionalization, having a well-defined set of ethical standards will be essential for fostering respect and credibility. In fact, nearly 150 previously surveyed professionals within the mediumship and trance channeling community expressed a strong desire for a unified code to support their professional growth. Furthermore, given the vulnerable nature of those seeking support from medium and trance channeling services, established standards are important for helping to protect individuals from potential psychological and emotional harm that can arise from gaps in professional training or ethics.
Collaborative development of medium/trance channeling standards
One unique aspect of this study is the approach used to establish the core standards for medium and trance channelers. Typically, a unified code of ethics is developed and maintained by an organization, such as the American Medical Association (AMA) with its Code of Medical Ethics. However, in this study, our researchers invited medium and trance channeling professionals to directly contribute to shaping the framework for their community standards. This collaborative approach can help incorporate a diverse range of insights from within the field, enhancing the development of standards that are broadly accepted and relevant.
The study design
A total of 119 medium and trance channelers participated in the study. During the first round of the study, participants were asked a series of questions to gather feedback on existing codes they may follow, and to uncover insights into what was important to them to include or not include in a future code of ethics. Two researchers used these responses to develop areas to logically include in the standard, one manually, qualitatively analyzing the data, while the other used ChatGPT (an artificial intelligence program) to condense and organize the information. The researcher who performed the qualitative analysis then consolidated the results from both approaches into one framework comprising 11 core elements (each with an adherence statement), which both researchers further agreed represented a comprehensive code of ethics.
Participants were instructed to rate each element of the agreed-upon framework on a scale of 1 to 5 (strongly disagree to strongly agree) and to provide feedback on their ratings. The plan was for each element to be reworked and again shared with participants until at least 75% of the participants scored it at least a 4 or 5.
High consensus on a draft of the code of ethics for medium/trance channeling professionals
The final results surpassed the target “approval consensus” of 75% for the draft code of ethics in the first round of review. Not only did all 11 elements receive approval—every single one surpassed the threshold in round one, officially ending the study phase. In fact, 91% of participants rated all elements either a 4 (agree) or 5 (strongly agree).
So what made it into the code of ethics? Of the almost 200 qualitative codes extracted and analyzed from the open-ended responses provided by respondents, the top recurring themes included confidentiality, professional relationships, and boundaries. Each element supports the protection and safety of the patients, the medium/trance channeling professional, or both.
Overall, study outcome indicates strong collective support among medium and trance channeling professionals surveyed for the standards developed during the study.
The future of codified ethics in medium and trance channeling
The code of ethics developed during this study is described by the authors as an “aspirational guide.” In the absence of a governing body requiring adherence to these standards, the intention is that professionals in the medium and trance channeling field may reference it for self-regulation. Furthermore, this document could help support consumer awareness of key professional aspects individuals in the field should aspire to—an important factor in fostering public trust. While limitations exist—including a predominantly North American participant base and the constraints of an English-only, online format—the draft standards can serve as an inital framework of a unified code to be further refined through broader and more collaborative efforts of the medium/trance channeling community.
The Code of Ethics
1. Motivation and Purpose for Safe Healing:
a. Work should always be motivated by a desire to support and uplift clients.
b. Practitioners must maintain a clear and ethical purpose in their work, aimed at providing genuine help, insight, and healing.
c. Always act with the intention of not harm clients—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
d. Ensure the client/sitter safety and well-being at all times.
2. Respect the Autonomy and Rights of the Client/Sitter:
a. Respect the sovereignty and free will of the client/sitter; never dictate actions or decisions.
b. Avoid unsolicited readings and respect client/sitter autonomy in decision-making.
c. Be mindful of the influence wielded and avoid using it to manipulate clients/sitters.
d. Approach each client/sitter with respect, empathy, and non-judgment.
3. Confidentiality and Privacy:
a. Respect, protect, and maintain confidentiality of the client/sitter and the spirit/loved one/communicator.
b. All information shared by client/sitter must be kept confidential unless explicit permission is given.
c. Maintain safe privacy practices for all records and documents.
d. Do not disclose confidential information without permission, including when making referrals to other professionals.
4. Permission and Informed Consent:
a. Obtain explicit permission before accessing, channeling, or communicating information or energy.
b. Use of an informed consent document can include confidentiality practices, professional boundaries, description of services, fees, when to refer to other professionals, cancellation / refund policies, use of digital technology, and other details designed to inform and prepare the client prior to service delivery.
5. Scope of Practice and Referrals:
a. Provide services only within the scope of competence and refer to other professionals when faced with issues outside the scope of practice or competence.
b. Recognize and respect the limits of your expertise.
i. Do not diagnose, prescribe, or provide medical advice unless you are a trained medical professional or evidential medical intuitive. The same is true for legal, financial, mental health, etc.
ii. Reach out for help/consultation as needed.
c. Refer clients to appropriate professionals (e.g., medical, psychological, legal) when their needs go beyond the practitioner’s scope.
i. Provide resources.
6. Competence, Training, and Continuous Development:
a. Ensure competence through robust training and evaluation of skills before offering services to the public.
b. Competence for evidential mediums is judged by accuracy/evidence.
c. Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a clear understanding of the difference between psychic and mediumistic information.
7. Honest, Clear, and Sensitive Communications:
a. Deliver information truthfully and accurately without personal interpretation.
b. Recognize the consequences of communications and deliver even difficult messages with empathy and sensitivity.
i. Be mindful that clients often come in grief and require delicate handling.
c. Do not convey information that could cause emotional or mental distress, such as predicting death or illness.
d. Avoid giving advice, which interferes with client/sitter autonomy.
8. Safe Space:
a. Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment to foster trust and openness.
b. Ensure a secure and private environment, including the protection of privacy in person, virtually/online, in public/group settings, and on social media.
9. Professional and Energetic Boundaries:
a. Maintain healthy spiritual and energetic boundaries to protect both the client and the practitioner.
i. Avoid romantic/sexual relationships and/or sexual harassment.
ii. Only provide services within the scope of competence
b. Ensure both practitioner and client are grounded and protected before engaging in readings.
10. Professional Conduct, Integrity, and Accountability:
a. Maintain high standards of professionalism, including honesty, non-discrimination, cultural sensitivity, punctuality, and transparent fees.
b. Avoid deception, exploitation, or fraudulent activities in communications, finances, and all related business activities.
c. Ensure honest marketing and self-descriptions, including representation of qualifications.
d. Take responsibility for one’s actions and be prepared to make amends if harm is unintentionally caused.
11. Legal and Professional Ethics:
a. Be knowledgeable about and comply with local, state, and national laws regarding mediumship, channeling, and ethical business practices where services are provided (including virtual services).
b. Follow ethical codes and guidelines of applicable professional association within field(s) of practice.
By adhering to this Code of Ethics, practitioners can ensure they provide their mediumship and channeling services with the highest degree of professionalism, integrity, and compassion. These guidelines are designed to safeguard clients’ well-being, uphold the reputation of the profession, and foster a supportive and respectful environment.
Zemel, S. K. & Wahbeh, H. (2025). Code of ethics for mediums and trance channelers. Explore, 21(3). doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2025.103159
Read the publication this blog is based on.
Explore more peer-reviewed publications on mediumship and channeling.
