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, 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? How did they start? What expertise do they have?

Our next article in the “People in Paranormal Research” series is from Kate McClure. Kate is a member of A.P.A.R.T. anchored in Washington state.

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.

Onto the questions and Kate’s answers.

How long have you been in paranormal research?

Officially, about two 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 live in Auburn, WA. I don’t mind traveling anywhere that needs an investigation, though time and money can be an issue. The farthest I have traveled in the past two years is about 65mi.

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

I’ve had experiences of the paranormal nature since childhood, so it just seemed a natural outcome of trying to figure out what is going on.

Why do you continue to do this work?

It is interesting, and I like helping people. (On both sides of the veil.

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

I once bopped an invisible entity in the nose. (long story) Since I thought it was non-physical, I was most surprised. (So was it, for that matter.)

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

I am a sensitive and energy worker. This is the position I started with. I would like to understand the tech a bit better.

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

I am a third degree Elder in the Mohsian tradition. (Wicca) This has given me training in how to handle various forms of energy, and how to stay calm when things are getting weird.

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

DO. YOUR. RESEARCH. Some folks get the idea that ‘Oh, this looks cool. I’ll come in and be a bigshot.’ Uh, no. If one goes in without a clue, one may cause more problems than one had before one started.

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

Respect the energies you are investigating. An actual spirit could be the non-corporeal aspect of someone’s Grandmother, or it could be something that was never human. Either way, demanding that they ’show you something’ is just asking for trouble. NEVER insult things you can’t see!

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

That it works like in the movies. We aren’t Ghostbusters. (Though one of those backpacks would be cool.)