We here at Spectral Review as you might imagine enjoy these entertainment TV shows about ghosts, spirits and vampires. They are fun to watch and for the most part are done very well.

What is even more interesting and entertaining are the “reality” based ghost and paranormal shows. These shows include Most Haunted, Ghost Hunters and new shows Paranormal State and Ghost Hunters International. These shows in their own way each try to find answers to questions about the paranormal. One could argue about their methods or motivations but they do try to show how they search for ghosts.

These shows are just representations of real people who do paranormal research. Nearly 100% of these people do this paranormal research for free. That tells us that these researchers are not only dedicated to this research but passionate about it also.

We want to know more about these people. Why do they do this research? Many of us may want to enter into this research field ourselves, how did they start? What expertise do they have?

So we are introducing a new article series called “People in Paranormal Research”. We are starting with 10 basic questions. Over time we may change or add. I expect that feedback from you, our readers, will mold how these questions will evolve.

Our inaugural “People in Paranormal Research” article is from Julie De Stefano from A.P.A.R.T. in Washington state. Julie is relatively new to A.P.A.R.T. joining them last June.

We hope you like this series. If you have any suggestions or want to participate in our series, use our contact form. And as always you can leave your comment here.

On to the questions and Julie’s answers.

How long have you been in paranormal research?

I have been interested in the parapsychology field for 20 years.

Where are you located, what area of the world do you do investigations? What is the farthest you have traveled to do an investigation?

I am a member of Apart, we are located in Washington state. The farthest was two hours away, but willing to go any distance.

Was there a particular reason or event that lead you to do this research?

No I have always believed that spirits live on the same plain as us and just looking for proof.

Why do you continue to do this work?

It is always exciting to see or hear what/who is trying to communicate or be seen.

What would be the most compelling evidence you have seen or heard?

My Native American EVP and the pictures from the Tokeland Inn. (Editor’s note: You can listen to all of A.P.A.R.T. EVPs on their web site. And also evidence pictures).

What is your role in your group? Is that where you started? What other roles would you like to learn and do?

I am an EVP specialist, researcher, and getting in tune with my sensitive side. I am learning my gifts and talents as we progress as a team. I would love to do more research and be more sensitive.

Have you taken any formal training in your life that has enhanced your skill set for your paranormal work?

No I have not.

What advice would you give someone who wanted to get into the paranormal field?

Find a great supportive team that becomes your family, and know that the dead is not to feared, it is living that can change your life.

Is there some aspect or point of view about the paranormal field that you wished that everyone in the field followed?

Respect their place, leave nothing behind and take only what you can learn from them. Learn from one another and share abilities, dont think one team is better than the other. It’s not a competition.

What misconceptions do the public and/or media have about the paranormal field you wish you could dispel?

That we are devil worshipers or out to find evil. We are merely here to research, prove or disprove spirits exist and enjoy our journey.