BECA alum sees dead people

Posted Fri, 11/21/2008 - 3:15pm by Matt Itelson

James Van Praagh studied media at SF State but has always been a medium unto himself. The best-selling author began to discover his psychic abilities at age 8, serving as the inspiration for the main character in the movie “The Sixth Sense.” Van Praagh sees dead people.

Van Praagh describes himself as a “survival evidence medium.” He claims to be able to bridge the gap between the living and dead, by providing evidence of the afterlife through detailed messages. At his workshops — which pack theatres worldwide — Van Praagh (B.A., Radio and Television, ’82) mixes jokes and inspirational talk with messages from spirits.

Called “spectacular” by the Los Angeles Times, Van Praagh has displayed his skills on “Oprah,” “Larry King Live,” “Maury Povich,” “20/20,” 48 Hours” and “The Other Side.” His books include “Talking to Heaven,” “Healing Grief” and “Looking Beyond: A Teen's Guide to the Spiritual World.” He is also an executive producer of CBS’ “The Ghost Whisperer.”

Sharing his abilities are a priority in Van Praagh’s life. “When someone is alone and overwhelmed by grief, life seems over. But when I’m able to help teach someone to make contact with a loved one, their grief and loneliness disappears and proper closure can take place,” he says. “When a bright smile overcomes tears, it becomes a smile that can light up the world!”