Published 03/02/2026 • Updated 03/02/2026 by Joanne Jones

Clairvoyant vs Psychic: What’s the Difference?

By Joanne Jones, Founder of Trusted Psychics.

If you’ve been looking into clairvoyant or psychic readings, you’ve probably seen the same terms again: clairvoyant, psychic medium, psychic abilities, spirit guides, spiritual connection, and “the clairs.”

And if I’m honest, it can feel confusing fast.

I’m Joanne Jones, a psychic medium and the founder of Trusted Psychics. My team of clairvoyants and psychics have given thousands of intuitive readings via online live chat and telephone readings for over 30 years.

One thing that really helps customers before they start a session is understanding the difference between a psychic reading and a clairvoyant reading. Once you fully understand how each ability works within a reading, you will find it easier to choose a reader with the abilities that are more likely to help your situation.

📞 Speak to a Trusted Clairvoyant Today

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Why Do People Mix Up Clairvoyants and Psychics?

In everyday conversation, people often use “clairvoyant” as a general word for anything connected with psychics.

Professional psychics will always take the time to explain to new clients who come to us for readings when they are unsure whether they want a psychic or clairvoyant reading, or even to have their tarot cards read.

In basic terms: → A Psychic describes the role of someone who reads intuitively. → A Clairvoyant describes the method by which they receive the information.

It becomes less confusing when we understand that clairvoyance is a psychic ability and just one of many ways a reader can receive information from the spirit world.

Read our guide on What Is the Difference Between a Psychic and a Clairvoyant?

What Is Clairvoyance? (Clear Seeing Explained Simply)

Clairvoyance means “clear seeing.” It’s the psychic ability of receiving information through visual images, pictures, symbols, colours, scenes, or shapes that appear in the mind’s eye.

This isn’t imagination. It’s not daydreaming. Clairvoyants describe it as seeing impressions that show up without being consciously created.

Clairvoyant information can appear as:

• A quick flash of a room or place.
• A symbol (like a ring, key, mirror, or doorway).
• Colours that repeat around the same person.
• A scene that feels symbolic rather than literal.

For example, during a clairvoyant reading, the reader may describe:

• An entrance hall with worn carpet.
• A disorganised desk or stacks of paper.
• Two people standing far apart.
• A garden with overgrown hedges.
• A car parked outside a house that “doesn’t feel like home”.

Very often, the information passed on to the client may not make immediate sense. As the session progresses, these points will normally be verified by the reader, perhaps it’s a childhood home, a former partner’s home, or a current life situation they haven’t mentioned yet.

✔️ The key thing to understand is this: The image isn’t the message. The meaning comes from how it connects to you. That’s why experience matters.

A practised clairvoyant learns:

• Which images are meaningful.
• Which are background impressions.
• How to interpret symbols clearly.
• How to deliver guidance in a grounded way.

What Does a Clairvoyant Reading Feel Like?

A clairvoyant reading often starts with description, or visual images that the reader is being given. The reader says what they can see, and then the conversation builds from there.

It may feel a little non-linear because the session follows the images rather than a script. The visuals may jump around, repeat, or make sense later.

For many people, this is incredibly grounding. For others, it can cause uncertainty as random concepts are unfamiliar. But if you’re a visual thinker, clairvoyance can be one of the most accurate ways to receive guidance, because the details feel specific and easy to recognise.

What Is a Psychic Reading?

A psychic reading is a broader experience. It can include clairvoyance, but it often focuses more on:

• Patterns and repeating cycles.
• Emotional dynamics.
• Relationship energy.
• Timing and decision-making.
• The bigger “why” behind what you’re experiencing.

Psychic readings often feel like a conversation that deepens as it goes. A gifted reader will listen carefully, track your energy field, and pick up on what matters most, sometimes before you even say it clearly.

Some readers use tools like tarot or oracle cards. Some don’t. Tools are not the defining feature. The defining feature is how they interpret what’s going on under the surface and translate it into something useful.

This style of reading can be ideal for personal growth, clarity, and perspective.

Where Do Psychic Mediums and Medium Readings Fit in?

This is another point people often ask about.

A psychic medium is a psychic who can also connect through spirit communication. In a clairvoyant medium reading, the reader may use mediumship to focus the session, including:

• Loved ones in the spirit world.
• Messages that bring comfort or closure.
• A sense of spiritual connection and continuity.
• Insights connected to spirit guides.

As you learn more about psychics and mediums, you will understand that not all mediums receive messages through clairvoyance.

Many mediums communicate through feeling, hearing, visualisation, or just sensing things from their spirit guides.

Having a medium reading should never be dramatic. It's meant to open your heart and always be conducted with sensitivity, respect and boundaries.

Spirit Guides, Divine Guidance, and Spiritual Connection (What This Really Means)

Many people show a real interest in spirit guides, divine guidance, and spirituality.

Every reader is unique in their psychic ability:

• A strong intuitive knowing.
• A symbolic image.
• A feeling of direction or reassurance.
• A sense of support during the reading.

Whether you view this reading spiritually, mentally, or even “coincidentally”, the best readings are the ones that leave you feeling enlightened and empowered.

Spirituality in a reading can be uplifting, helping you discover yourself and empowering your growth.

Clairvoyant vs Psychic: The Simple Difference

Remember It Like This:

→ Clairvoyant Reading = insight is primarily gained through images and symbols.

→ Psychic Reading = insight is gained through interpretation of intuition (which may include images, feelings, or knowing and sensing).

Clairvoyance is one of several psychic senses, and many online advisors use more than one ability when providing their consultations.

Which Reading Should You Choose?

Here’s a simple guide that helps many people choose the right reading style:

• 👁️ If you’re a visual thinker or want specific symbolic detail → Clairvoyant Reading.
• 💗 If you’re highly sensitive to emotions and energy → Psychic Reading (often clairsentient).
• 💡 If you want direct clarity and straightforward guidance → a reader strong in “knowing”.
• 🕊️ If you want messages connected to the spirit world → Medium Reading with a psychic medium.

✔️ The best session is the one that feels clear, grounded, supportive, and meaningful.

How Ethical Psychics Work

A professional reader will:

• Respect free will.
• Avoid fear-based predictions.
• Speak honestly, not dramatically.
• Encourage personal responsibility.
• Focus on clarity and empowerment.
• Professional readings are about accurate interpretations.

Trusted Psychics: Clairvoyant and Psychic Telephone Readings 24/7

"I founded Trusted Psychics because too many people were being priced out of support or pressured by unrealistic costs. We built our service around a simple principle: expert guidance should be accessible and affordable. Book your reading with our experts today!" Joanne Jones, Trusted Psychics founder.

The Trusted Psychics Fair Pricing Policy ✔️

• Clear, transparent pricing.
• No hidden charges.
• No sudden rate increases.
• Affordable follow-up sessions with the same reader.
• Support available 24/7.

This matters because real guidance is often ongoing. People want to return when life shifts, and they should be able to do that without worrying about inflated prices.

📞 Trusted Psychics Clairvoyant Readings – Call Today! → Ethical psychic advisors • Telephone readings available 24/7 • No pressure.

What Clients Say - Verified Customer Reviews

Overall Trustpilot rating: ⭐ 4.2 / 5 TrustScore

Short Trustpilot review excerpts

Based on customer reviews on Trustpilot.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Molly Adams

“The reading I had with Psychic Sue, was amazing accurate and a very nice conversation.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Igara Jia

“Everything she told me was completely accurate and helpful… very warm and supportive.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Edna

“The reader was informative, accurate, and continued to amaze me.”

Testimonials reflect individual experiences. Results vary. Psychic readings are for guidance and entertainment purposes only.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clairvoyants and Psychics

How Do I Know If I’ll Connect Better With a Clairvoyant or a Psychic?

Many people find Clairvoyant readings easier to understand as they may contain more relevant visual details that may resonate easily.

If you require a reading that provides accurate psychic insights, compassion, support, and spiritual guidance, then you may relate better to psychic readings.

If you are unsure which type of reader would suit you best, then a reputable psychic service like Trusted Psychics can guide you towards the most gifted type of reader for your situation.

What If a Clairvoyant Describes Images That Don’t Make Sense Straight Away?

Don’t worry – that happens! Sometimes clairvoyant information comes in pieces. Often, you’ll find the meaning later in your reading, or even after you’ve had time to reflect on the reading.

A professional clairvoyant will interpret the messages they are given, without insisting they are right or that something will definitely happen. A clairvoyant will often describe themselves as just a link in the communication from the spirit world.

Do Psychic Abilities Always Involve the Spirit World?

Not always. Psychic abilities can be intuitive sensing without spirit communication. A psychic medium reading is more specifically connected to spirit communication, spirit guides, or messages linked to the spirit world.

Can a Reading Help With Personal Growth, Not Just Predictions?

Yes, and in my view, that’s where the value really is. The best readings support self-discovery, clarity, and personal growth. They help you understand patterns, emotions, and choices, so you can move forward with more confidence.

Are Telephone Readings As Effective As Face-to-Face Readings?

For many people, yes. Telephone readings remove distractions and help clients feel comfortable and private. What matters most is the reader’s ability and your openness to the process, not whether you’re in the same room.

Telephone readings also have the benefit of being instant, as there is no need to travel to see a face-to-face reader; you can literally just pick up your telephone and speak to a psychic within moments.

Final Thoughts:

Clairvoyant and psychic readings are connected, but they aren’t interchangeable.

• Clairvoyance is a psychic ability that works through visual images.
• Psychic readings focus on broader interpretation, patterns, and the energy field of situations.
• Medium readings involve spirit communication and spiritual connection.

Once you understand the differences, the whole experience becomes clearer, and choosing the right reader becomes easier.

📞 Trusted Psychics Clairvoyant Readings – Call Today! → Clear guidance • Ethical psychic advisors • Telephone readings available 24/7.

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How To Contact A Trusted Psychic

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