So things are going bump in the night...

Undoubtedly, the most interesting thing that happened to me when I "came out of the paranormal closet" was the outpouring of stories from friends, family, coworkers, heck even strangers. I thought I was for the most part alone in my interests and experiences, boy was I wrong!

For some people, activity in their home can be an exciting experience, but for others its a fearful time. I think many of us are seeking messages from our departed loved ones, but when the lights start flickering, and shadows appear out of the corner of your eye- you might not be so sure its your dear old aunt.

Regardless of how you feel about the activity, I have a few simple things I ask of everyone who comes to me with their experiences.

The first thing I suggest, to those who are fearful, and to those who think Casper is going to be their new BFF, is to write your experiences down. It can be hard to articulate what happened in conversation for many reasons, one is the fear of being judged,trust me, you're not the only one who thinks they might be going crazy when you have unexplained experiences. Take a few moments, to sit and write everything down, you don't have to share this with anyone but it can be therapeutic to write it down.

Now that you've taken the time to write everything down, its time to rationalize the experience. This does not  mean I want you to try to explain away, debunk, or make an excuse for the activity. Instead, I want you to think about the situation rationally, setting emotions like fear and anxiety aside for the moment. For example, you felt a hand on your arm in your home, and you were startled and terrified. That's an understandable reaction, but think about what really happened, someone unseen, touched your arm (ok, still creepy), but was the touch light? Did the entity try to harm you? Or was someone simply trying to get your attention? If you can change your mindset about what happened and think rationally about the activity and spirits intent, I think you will be much more comfortable in your home.

Next up, its time for a conversation. Communication is key in all relationships, and contrary to what the movies show us you probably won't be "excorcisng" or "clearing" your home, so this will be a matter of coexisting. Now, before you freak at the idea of Casper sticking around, hear me out. Please consider, that if the activity is genuinely paranormal, that who you are going to communicate with, was once alive and well as you are. These are people, with memories, feelings, and reason. I have found that the most simple way to stop frightening activity is to talk. Take a moment, and say out loud- " You are frightening me, I need you to respect my space. This is my home and I need to feel comfortable." It may sound silly, but it can't hurt to try.

If the activity in your home is ongoing, you have a little more work ahead of you.

You've done all of the above, and the activity is still troubling you, or maybe simply you want to better understand what's going on.

Well you're in luck, you have several options on how you can approach activity in your home.

If you are a person of faith, you can reach out to your religious community and leaders for comfort. This can be a great avenue for many people, but just because you practice religion, you are not limited to your church, or religious body. I don't believe there is any harm in consulting your faith, alongside scientific based paranormal research teams or organizations. Now, I respect that for many people, this will be their final step. Whether your home is blessed, cleared, sprinkled with Holy Water, if it works for you- it works for you.

If you do choose to consult a paranormal research team, I think you will be amazed at the array of teams in most communities. For example, when I met someone who ran a paranormal team in Portland, OR, I was thrilled. I didn't realize there was a single team in Portland, and here I was meeting someone in my neighborhood. It felt like fate, but after I began working in Paranormal research I encountered dozens and dozens of teams. Why is this important? Because I don't want fearful or eager homeowners to run to the first organization they encounter. I cannot stress the importance of finding the team that will be the best fit for you. You should not be afraid to ask questions, they will probably interview you and you shouldn't be afraid to interview them. Do your research, and if a team doesn't meet your standards-don't use them. If you happen to live in a small town, or an area with few teams this may be more challenging. I could go on for pages about what I think is in important in selecting a team, but this isn't about me, this is about you.
I do however have a few basic "Rules of Thumb" for you to consider:
1. Avoid any organization that expects compensation for their services
2. The Team should have a mission statement, and information about anonymity practices readily available
3. The team should be accommodating and professional, these people will be spending time in your home/ business. Don't be afraid to ask questions, set boundaries, and research the team and members.

If at any point, you feel uncomfortable with the team or their practices- you reserve the right to ask them to vacate the premises and terminate the relationship. You should never feel obligated to allow them to do anything.

I could quite literally, write an entire book on handling paranormal activity in your home, but I hope this very small piece offers some information to those who are curious or who are in need.

Guilty Pleasures

We've all seen the pop culture portrayals of Paranormal Investigators, from Ghost Busters to Ghost Hunters. But, I assure you, that my own work in the Paranormal is nowhere near that exciting, there are no Stay Puft Marshmallow Men in my life, and certainly no film crew.

In my early interests in the paranormal, I was drawn to the array of paranormal themed programming on TV, like a moth to a flame. It was fascinating, and I became an avid follower of the Ghost Hunters franchise. My Wednesday evenings were dedicated to sitting in my living room, watching re-runs and anxiously awaiting each new episode. My interests weren't limited to Ghost Hunters, I filled my DVR with episode after episode of Ghost Adventures, My Ghost Story, Dead Files, etc.

But why am I telling you this?

I have encountered people with varying opinions about the paranormal entertainment business, when I first began working in paranormal research I was confronted with an overwhelmingly negative response to my interest in it. I was meant to feel ashamed of the time I've spent watching it. I am not proud to say that I caved, I stopped watching, cleared my DVR, and was even told that uttering the phrase "Ghost Hunter" could mean my removal from the organization I was affiliated with. Ridiculous, I know.

I didn't become a paranormal investigator because I saw it on TV, and I have encountered people who have,  but that's a different topic for another day. In my limited experience as a paranormal investigator, I have found that the TV shows aren't always an accurate representation of what this field is like. I have grown to accept that I can be a legitimate paranormal researcher, and watch the paranormal TV programs. Shows like Ghost Hunters, are for entertainment, I have never nor will I ever use a television show as my manual for how to conduct an investigation or research. But I also like to maintain a realistic, and down to earth approach to all things in my life, and that means accepting that I should never take a "holier than thou" attitude in this field.

So yes, I am admitting to the world, that I too enjoy curling up on my couch on Wednesday evenings with some popcorn and watching some Ghost Hunters.

Don't take life too seriously, friends!

Who is this Ghost Girl anyway?

If you're reading this you have somehow stumbled upon this modest little blog! This blog is intended to be a collection of all things paranormal through my eyes. 

Well just who am I? I'm Katie, but I am also affectionately known as Ghost Girl. I hope to bring a different perspective to the table, as a young woman with a love for all things spooky. I'm 20 years old, and reside in Portland, Or. I am currently studying History in college, as I get along best with the dead. This blog is by no means an academic journal, and while I apply scientific theory to my paranormal research I am, by no means, a scientist. I will discuss an array of topics, from reviewing books, to crypto-zoology, and of course, ghosts.

Well, you've stuck around this long, I hope that means I have captured a little piece of your attention. I hope you'll keep reading!
Enjoy,
Katie