Some get hurt

- 1 February 1989

For most individuals the result of a consultation with a psychic is a good laugh. But some get hurt.

A Dunedin group is sufficiently concerned about harmful encounters to offer help to victims.

COPE (Committee Opposed to Psychic Entrepreneurs) has been set up as a referral agency and support group for those who have had bad experiences.

It will redirect people needing help with serious problems to recognised agencies. It wants to contact similar groups in other parts of the country so that a support network can be formed.

And it wants to deal with a consumer problem for which it says there is no redress. According to COPE, psychic “entrepreneurs” can charge high prices for worthless advice. They say the only control over their activities is “Let the buyer beware.”

Spokesperson for COPE, Trevor Reeves, became interested in problems resulting from psychic encounters through his work as a publisher.

While producing books on health related issues he encountered professionals researching supernatural experiences.

Mr Reeves believes practitioners of the occult are reluctant to raise doubts about their powers. He said threats of legal action outnumber court cases.

Mr Reeves said COUPE members were not fanatics who are trying to stamp out practitioners of the occult.

His committee is concerned for the wellbeing of seriously troubled clients — like the recently bereaved who try to get in touch with the departed through psychics.

Mr Reeves believes the public should be told about psychic methods and the problems that can arise. so that people beep in mind the notice carried in newspaper advertisements: “For Entertainment Only.”

COPE, he says, will treat inquiries in confidence because it believes victims may be embarrassed about identifying themselves.