Stop Looking for the One True Teacher

If you've been on a spiritual journey for any length of time, you've probably done it.

You've found a teacher you absolutely loved.

Everything they said made sense.

You devoured their books.

Listened to every podcast.

Signed up for every workshop.

And then...

You met another teacher.

Who said something completely different.

Suddenly you're left wondering,

"Well... who's right?"

It's one of the biggest challenges in mediumship development.

And I think we're asking the wrong question.

Why do mediumship teachers disagree?

Because they're human.

I know that sounds incredibly obvious, but it's easy to forget.

Every teacher brings their own experiences.

Their own beliefs.

Their own personality.

Their own understanding of Spirit.

Their own mistakes.

Their own breakthroughs.

No two mediums have walked exactly the same path.

So why would we expect them to teach in exactly the same way?

Stop searching for certainty

One of the reasons we're so drawn to confident teachers is because uncertainty feels uncomfortable.

We want someone to tell us,

"This is the way."

"Do this and you'll become a better medium."

It feels safe.

But mediumship has never felt particularly interested in making me feel safe.

Every time I think I've finally understood something...

Spirit gently invite me to look again.

It's frustrating.

It's humbling.

And it's one of the greatest gifts they've ever given me.

A good teacher shouldn't replace your intuition

This is something I feel incredibly strongly about.

A teacher's job isn't to create students who agree with them forever.

A teacher's job is to help students think.

Question.

Experiment.

Grow.

Eventually...

Leave.

That might sound strange.

But if a teacher's success depends on students believing they always have the answers...

Something has gone wrong.

The best teachers I've ever met want you to become more confident in yourself, not more dependent on them.

Collect perspectives, not certainty

One of the things I love most about learning is hearing different viewpoints.

Sometimes I agree immediately.

Sometimes I completely disagree.

Sometimes an idea makes no sense at all...

...until three years later, when suddenly everything clicks.

Learning isn't about collecting facts.

It's about collecting perspectives.

Some you'll use straight away.

Others you'll come back to later.

Some you'll decide never fit your way of working.

And that's okay.

You're allowed to change your mind

I think this is one of the healthiest things we can do.

There are ideas I believed ten years ago that I no longer hold.

Not because I was foolish.

Because I've continued learning.

I sincerely hope that ten years from now I'll look back at some of the things I believe today and smile.

Growth should change us.

That's the point.

Eat what nourishes you

Many years ago, I worked with the wonderful shaman Lynn Gosney.

She said something that has stayed with me ever since.

"We're going to serve you a plate of food. It's up to you what you eat."

I love that.

Every teacher you meet is offering you a plate.

Some ideas will nourish you immediately.

Some won't appeal at all.

Some might be exactly what you need later in your journey.

You don't have to eat everything simply because it has been placed in front of you.

And you don't have to reject the entire meal because one thing doesn't suit your taste.

Take what nourishes you.

Leave the rest.

Without guilt.

Without judgement.

Beware of anyone who claims to have all the answers

This is true inside and outside spirituality.

The more I've learned, the less certain I've become.

Not because I know less.

Because I appreciate how much there is still to discover.

Whenever somebody tells me they've completely figured Spirit out...

I become cautious.

Not because I think they're a bad person.

Because I don't think Spirit are that easily contained.

Mystery is part of the journey.

The teacher isn't the destination

I think we sometimes confuse the guide with the path.

Teachers are important.

I've had wonderful teachers.

I've learned incredible lessons from them.

But none of them were ever meant to become the final destination.

Their role was to point me towards my own relationship with Spirit.

That's where the real journey begins.

Trust your own experience

Of course we should learn from people who've walked the path before us.

Experience matters.

Wisdom matters.

But so does your own lived experience.

If something consistently feels authentic, ethical and true in your own work, don't dismiss it simply because it doesn't perfectly match someone else's teaching.

Stay curious.

Stay open.

Stay humble.

But don't forget that your experiences matter too.

Your greatest teacher is still unfolding

People often ask me who my favourite teacher is.

I've had many.

And I'm grateful to every single one of them.

But the teacher I spend the most time with now is the relationship between myself and Spirit.

That relationship continues to evolve every single day.

It challenges me.

Surprises me.

Keeps me humble.

And reminds me that mediumship isn't about reaching the end of learning.

It's about falling in love with learning itself.

So by all means, study with different teachers.

Read different books.

Listen to different podcasts.

Ask difficult questions.

Explore different philosophies.

But don't spend your life searching for the one true teacher.

Because the teacher you're ultimately trying to develop...

Is you.

Listen to the full podcast episode

This article is inspired by an episode of the Mediumship Matters podcast, where I explore why different teachers hold different opinions, why respectful disagreement matters and why I believe the goal of every good teacher is to help students build confidence in their own relationship with Spirit.

If you'd rather listen than read, you'll find the full episode wherever you get your podcasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right mediumship teacher?

Look for a teacher who encourages curiosity, ethical practice and independent thinking rather than expecting unquestioning agreement. A good teacher should help you build confidence in your own relationship with Spirit, not make you feel that you can only progress through them.

Why do different mediumship teachers teach different things?

Every teacher teaches through the lens of their own experience. Their understanding of Spirit has been shaped by their own development, successes, challenges and beliefs. Different approaches don't automatically mean someone is wrong; they often reflect different ways of interpreting and experiencing mediumship.

Should I only learn from one teacher?

Not necessarily. There can be great value in studying with different teachers because each offers a unique perspective. Just as no single book contains all the answers, no single teacher can offer every viewpoint. Learning from a variety of experienced practitioners can help you develop a broader and more balanced understanding.

What if two teachers completely disagree?

Don't panic. Instead of immediately deciding who is right, become curious. Ask why they hold those views, consider the experiences that may have shaped them and reflect on what aligns with your own understanding. Respectful disagreement is a natural part of any field where people are continually learning and growing.

How do I know what advice to follow?

Pay attention to your own experience alongside the guidance you're receiving. Learn with an open mind, but don't abandon your own discernment. If something feels ethical, authentic and consistently supported by your own work with Spirit, it's worth exploring further rather than dismissing it simply because another teacher has a different opinion.

Is it okay to change my mind as I develop?

Absolutely. In fact, I think it's a healthy sign of growth. Spiritual development isn't about reaching a point where your opinions never change. As your experience deepens, your understanding naturally evolves. Changing your perspective doesn't mean you failed before—it often means you've learnt something new.

Should my teacher have all the answers?

I don't believe any teacher does, and I'd be cautious of anyone who claims they do. The Spirit world is vast, and every medium is still learning. A teacher's role isn't to provide certainty about everything but to help you ask better questions and develop your own confidence.

Can I disagree with my teacher?

Respectfully, yes. A healthy learning environment allows space for thoughtful questions and different perspectives. You don't have to accept every teaching without reflection. In my experience, the best teachers welcome respectful discussion because they understand that genuine learning comes through exploration, not blind agreement.

What's the most important relationship in mediumship?

As valuable as teachers, books and courses are, the most important relationship you'll ever develop is your own relationship with Spirit. Teachers can guide you, encourage you and share their experience, but ultimately your mediumship grows through your own practice, curiosity and willingness to keep learning.