Things to Consider for Residential Paranormal Investigations

In the world of paranormal investigation, residential paranormal investigations are possibly the hardest and most rewarding. While not every team does residential paranormal investigations, it is a good idea for every team to know what you are up against if you decide to take on the investigation of someone's home. Above all remember that you as the investigator get to go home and put their case out of your mind, they live there and it is a safe space for them. Don't make their situation worse! Here are somethings that I like to make sure people understand and think about prior to diving into an investigation.

Do you have the time? People experiencing paranormal phenomena in their home can be terrified, especially if they have children. Be prepared to have messages in your inbox, texts, and phone calls all hours of the day and night. While we may understand a few things about what may or may not be paranormal, they look to you for answers even at 3 AM. If you can't commit to this type of interaction, it may not be for you. This also applies for cases that are further away, can you commit to going to a location over an hour a way repeatedly in a short span of time? Make sure you have a service area or boundary for traveling that allows you to do the best for your client. Taking on a case that is hours away may not be feasible for you and there may be a team closer that can handle it with more efficiency. Time can also be a factor for reviewing your data or meeting with the client to discuss their case. If you can't complete review in a timely manner or you can't dedicate the time to actually meet with them to help, maybe you should refer cases to a team that has an open schedule. 

Are the clients goals attainable? There are many goals that a client can have for a paranormal investigation team; find out the who, help the "ghosts", get rid of the ghosts, and more. While it can be easy to get answers as to who is in a location, it's often not easy just doing one investigation. Spirits have their own rules and agenda, be prepared to not get any answers and you may have to do some other more metaphysical approaches to solving the case. I have seen some teams claim to move spirits on, but I personally don't agree with that. There is the potential that these spirits are there for a karmic resolution, it is not our place to move anything on but we can be instrumental in finding the solution they need to resolve their situation (the spirit/ ghost not the client). If someone says they remove spirits, run. It's not our place and it isn't that easy. There are many methods that you can have the client do to set boundaries or calm the activity, but you have to make sure that you are experienced enough to guide them. 

Are you seasoned enough? There may be no experts or professionals in the field of paranormal investigations, however there is a point where we can recognize that some individuals or teams have more field or specialized experience. Remember that every case is different and if it seems like something you can't handle or you have never dealt with this type of situation, call in someone that has the right experience. There is no shame in not knowing, but definitely ask if you can be part of the case for learning experience. If you plan to take on a case, you should be prepared to be confident in your knowledge and in doing so give symptomatic relief to the client. Giving symptomatic relief means that you can give solutions based on individual experiences; like debunking, protection methods, and setting boundaries. There shouldn't be a point where you just say "I don't know" and move on, an investigator should be prepared that there are no answers or solutions but be confident when giving symptomatic relief to their concerns. Being seasoned means that you confidently find solutions to help ease the client and possibly even form new goals. 

Are you protected? Every team that plans to go into any location should have waivers and/ or insurance. Insurance can be expensive but having a waiver for liability reasons is important. Draw up a document for confidentiality and liability that holds you harmless in case of accidents. Private home investigations are a different type of investigation altogether so making sure you and your team are protected is important. Reminder: If the client rents or is not the owner, make sure you have legal permission to be investigating. If you want to know more about confidentiality and liability documents check out my blog https://antietamparanormal.blogspot.com/2023/03/the-paranormal-team-starter-checklist_27.html

Is the location safe or conducive to investigation? Some neighborhoods are not the best place to be after dark or even during daylight hours. Always make sure that you check the area out before you take  on a case. Is the entire family or are all the people living there okay with you investigating? I have been in a location for a walk through where the family wanted the investigation, but the dad did not. It was ugly. Make sure you have an interview with everyone, because their attitude can be a component to the case. Is the location a townhome or apartment? Remember that these types of locations can have massive amounts of contamination, be sure to allow for that possibility.

Can you do a walk through? Walk throughs prior to the investigation is not necessary but it can be important. There is something about the energy that happens with clients when you arrive for the actual investigation, that isn't present for the walk through. Additionally, a walk through allows for you to really evaluate the location to determine whether an investigation is even feasible or necessary. Make sure you look in every nook and cranny while you do the walk through, I find that clients are more willing for you to take a look while they are there with you giving a tour than during the investigation where they may have restricted areas. Walk throughs are also a great time to do initial baseline readings and starting the process of debunking. Take note of the condition of the home and everything in it!

What is your plan? Paranormal investigations can take off into many different directions and there should definitely be the ability to ad lib the investigations sessions, but having a plan can prevent chaos. During walk throughs I like to get an idea of where stationary cameras and recorders will be placed, make notes of where debunking needs to occur, where we will set up our base command, and delegating team set up. At the beginning of our investigation night we start with a team chat, then delegation of set up, the case manager then meets with the client to fill out forms (which can also be done during the walk through), we discuss the investigation plan with the client, and then set up begins. Our baseline readings for the investigation are usually done after we set up so that we can include any equipment we have set as part of the reading during the investigation itself. Our plan includes techniques, equipment we may use, and focus areas for debunking and sessions. Otherwise the investigation is allowed to flow. You don't want to be restrictive by planning too much of the investigation or it could completely disrupt the flow of the investigation and your ability to get answers.

Can you be professional? Paranormal investigation should be fun, but you need to understand you are basically in someone's home to provide them a service (even though we don't charge). I wouldn't want a bunch of uncouth, dirty, rude people to come into my home and neither does the client. Take care with your appearance; dress comfortably but neatly. Make sure you shower and wear deodorant, but avoid heavy perfumes or creams. Your attitude should be confident and office professional. Know your audience, make sure your humor isn't unacceptable. Don't horse around or be careless with their property. I personally think that smoking should be completely restricted for investigators because it stinks, but let the client set the bar on that one. If they don't bring it up, no smoking or vaping. No drinking or cussing. Basically behave yourself, if you can't, please don't go into someone's home and represent the paranormal community in such a disgusting fashion. There have been many cases we have gotten where a previous team has dirtied the waters and put a bad label on us all. 

Can you keep quiet? While you are there to help the client, there is such a thing as being too forthright at the wrong moments. Know the time and the place. During the investigation the only discussions you should have about the case in front of the client is about your debunking or the next area you are going to investigate. If the night isn't over, you cannot judge or conclude what you have gotten during the investigation. Forming conclusions and opinions on the surface level information you have gotten during brief sessions could cloud the client's mind on what is happening in their home. This is why psychics can be detrimental to the entire case when they are brought in at the beginning, they skew every other perception of the case and your data could be more validating than anything a psychic medium may have said. Be careful of what you say and what you discuss when the client is near! 

It is all too common to have a residential investigation come in that doesn't really need investigation, they just need an ear to listen and maybe some tips to help set boundaries, which are pretty much cookie cutter guidelines (it depends on their goals). Sometimes it isn't the building that is haunted, it may be someone in the household. If you do investigate, make sure to get all the information from interviews, the investigation, the analysis, and the history before you form any type of plan or conclusion. But remember before you even decide to take on residentials or any paranormal investigation, are you really prepared for all that is included? 

Rebecca Boyer
Co-Founder/ Case Manager
Antietam Paranormal Society