Denise Wilkinson is a highly respected psychic medium, mentor, and teacher known for her exceptional spiritual abilities, compassionate approach, and commitment to ethical practice. With a global reach and years of experience, she empowers others through workshops, classes, events, and retreats—guiding students to develop their own gifts and confidently walk their spiritual paths. MysticMag features an exclusive interview.
Denise, how do you differentiate between psychic impressions and messages received through mediumship, and what practices do you use to ensure clarity and accuracy when communicating with spirit?
The first thing that comes to mind is that I identify as an evidential medium—which, ideally, most mediums should strive to be. My work is grounded in providing verifiable evidence from the spirit world. The key distinction between psychic work and mediumship lies in the type of connection being made. The psychic side involves tuning into a person’s energy and the circumstances surrounding them. In contrast, mediumship is more like a direct telephone line to the spirit world.
In that space, I serve as the intermediary—able to communicate telepathically or intuitively with those who have passed, and relay messages or insights to the person receiving the reading. Psychic work often involves guidance from spirit guides and one’s own intuitive impressions, whereas mediumship involves a direct connection with a spirit person who once lived in the physical world.
For me, the two often work hand in hand. Even when I’m doing psychic work, I’m still receiving input from the spirit world and my spiritual team. I don’t rely solely on tools like cards; instead, I allow the energy and insights from the spirit realm to inform everything I do.
That said, many sitters come to me hoping for a direct connection with a specific loved one who has passed. That’s where evidential mediumship becomes vital. The evidence I receive—details, memories, personalities—helps to clearly differentiate a mediumistic connection from a general psychic reading. It’s the quality of the evidence that confirms the link and brings comfort and healing to the sitter.
Your workshops are designed to help participants explore their spiritual gifts and develop psychic abilities. Can you elaborate on the structure of these workshops and the transformations you’ve witnessed in attendees?
Most of the time, my events and workshops serve very different purposes. Events are often light-hearted, like an afternoon tea with a group of fifty people, where I might offer short, evidential messages from the spirit world in a public setting. These aren’t full readings, as I would give in a private session, but they include enough information—snippets of validation or memories—to keep the audience engaged and offer a glimpse into something greater. Of course, in a public forum, privacy is respected; spirit doesn’t tend to reveal anything too personal or sensitive in that setting. For many, just hearing a message that resonates—even a little—can spark the question: Could there really be more beyond this life?
Workshops, on the other hand, are more intimate and transformative. They’re designed to help people turn inward—to connect to their own heart space. None of this work is truly external. You don’t need to do anything or acquire something new. Everything you need, you already have within you. My role is to mentor and guide people into accessing that inner knowing—to help them recognise and trust those quiet feelings, those sudden insights that float into their awareness.
Workshops create a space where people can gain confidence, explore their intuitive abilities, and realise they’re not alone. Everyone is nervous, everyone is stepping out of their comfort zone. But when you’re surrounded by like-minded souls, it becomes easier to let go of fear and lean into trust.
Over time, I’ve noticed that more people are opening up to these kinds of experiences. Whether they’re curious about crystals, astrology, numerology, or simply following their intuition, many come to me and say, “I’ve felt that,” or “I just knew.” These are signs of an awakening consciousness. It’s not always about converting sceptics; they’ll always exist, and that’s okay. I believe I attract those who are already beginning to open—people who are looking for deeper meaning, even if they can’t fully explain why.
Ultimately, this work is about heart connection. That’s where I come from, and that’s where I hope to meet others. Even if all I do is plant a small seed—like reminding someone to listen to that gut feeling they’ve been ignoring—then I’ve done my job. Our bodies, our emotions, those subtle nudges we feel—they’re all ways the spirit world communicates. And once you start noticing, it becomes impossible to un-know.
You’ve conducted events like the Phillip Island Retreat and the Warrandyte South Retreat. What are the core objectives of these retreats, and how do they differ from your regular sessions?
I recently completed my latest retreat a few weeks ago with a group of about 14 students in Kinglake, Victoria. These retreats are truly about connection—both with oneself and with others. What makes them so special is the shared intention among everyone who attends. Each person comes with a desire to learn more about themselves, to deepen their intuition, and to explore their spiritual gifts in a supportive and safe environment.
Beyond the personal growth, there’s something deeply nourishing about being in community. People open up, form bonds, and often leave with friendships that last long after the retreat ends. When you’re immersed in that kind of energy for several days, the breakthroughs can be extraordinary. I’ve witnessed magical moments—those “wow” experiences—where someone receives a message, connects clearly with spirit, or simply feels truly seen for the first time. Their confidence skyrockets.
Because it’s such a condensed and focused period of time, the growth can be rapid. Participants often walk away transformed—not just encouraged but empowered to continue this work with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. Whether it’s the exercises we do, the messages they receive, or the connections they make, something shifts. It’s such a joy to witness the light in someone’s eyes when they realise, “I can actually do this.”
These retreats have the power to change lives. And watching that unfold—seeing someone step into their own knowing—is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Client testimonials highlight your ability to connect with loved ones who have passed away, providing specific details that resonate deeply. How do you prepare for such readings, and what is your process for receiving and conveying messages from the spirit world?
I conduct readings in many different settings—whether it’s public forums, one-on-one sessions over Zoom, in-person appointments, or during classes. Each environment has its own unique energy, but one thing remains consistent for me: I am always connected. I rarely, if ever, do any preparation before beginning my work because I trust completely that my spirit team is with me, guiding the process.
When I step onto a stage or begin a session, it’s as if the information has already been downloaded. I typically start with a brief breathing exercise—sometimes just 30 seconds—whether I’m with a crowd of fifty or an individual. That shared moment of stillness helps everyone relax and become open to receiving. The more relaxed people are, the more natural and clear the communication flows. It’s not about me doing something complicated; it’s about creating a calm space where skepticism can fall away, and fear or resistance can dissolve.
I always remind sitters that their loved ones want to see them happy and at peace—that is the energy that comes through most strongly. In this way, I’m simply a conduit, a “middle person,” facilitating the connection. I don’t switch my connection on and off like a light; it’s something I can tap into at any moment, but I choose to engage it fully only when I’m working.
During a reading, my body gives me clear signals—tingles, sensations around my head and body—that tell me I am connected. For example, if I were starting a session with you, the first thing I might say is, “I feel your grandfather here, on your father’s side. Does that resonate with you?” Then I watch for your response. If you confirm, I begin to see more details—what he’s wearing, the energy he carries—and from there, the messages unfold.
It’s very much a team effort. The information flows as long as the sitter remains open and receptive. If someone approaches the reading with skepticism or tries to “test” me, it can block the connection. Loved ones come through wanting to communicate, but if the person on the receiving end is resistant or closed off, the messages struggle to get through. It’s unfortunate because these sessions are often deeply healing experiences—not just about proof or accuracy, but about connection, comfort, and peace.
You’ve been involved in supporting challenges like aiding kids with cancer. How does your spiritual work intersect with charitable causes, and what motivates you to engage in such endeavors?
I used to dedicate a significant amount of my time to working with spiritual churches here, particularly on the Undo platform, offering my services voluntarily on weekends. However, I eventually stepped back from that commitment and now donate my time to another website where I’m also listed as a professional medium. People have the option to pay for sessions, but I choose to donate my time for other mediums and sitters who may need support.
One of the causes I’m particularly passionate about is the Challenge Diamond Gala Ball. It’s an event attended by around 1,500 women, many of whom are there for deeply personal reasons—supporting children with cancer or other serious challenges. My team and I contribute by offering tarot readings during the event, and last year we were part of the program. This year, we’ve doubled the team and have been invited back. It’s a wonderful opportunity to dress up, enjoy the evening, and, most importantly, contribute to a meaningful cause.
I also provide vouchers and prizes for raffles, helping raise funds for the cause. For me, it’s an energy exchange—I give what I can, and in return, there’s a shared sense of goodwill and purpose. I have the ability to offer these gifts, so why not use them to give back?
Of course, I do charge clients who book private sessions, but I appreciate having the freedom to choose where and how I invest my energy. If I decide to donate a reading or contribute to a charitable raffle, it’s because I want to—that choice is mine. That’s a privilege I value deeply, especially compared to a traditional nine-to-five job where you work under someone else’s direction.
While I may not be able to help everyone, even assisting one person makes it worthwhile. That’s why I continue to give back in ways that feel meaningful and authentic to me.
Can you share the journey or experiences that led you to become involved in mediumship?
For me, it all really began around 2018. A loved one was on life support and then passed away. That moment became a major turning point in my life, on the anniversary of their passing, I had a near-death experience, in its intensity — almost like something pushed me awake, I was guided to a certain place, and from there, I ended up taking a spiritual development class that changed everything. I’ve never looked back since.
It was a difficult and painful time, but it catapulted me exactly where I needed to be. Before that, I wasn’t listening to the signs. If that experience hadn’t happened, I might never have embarked on this mediumship journey. Once I started everything moved fast ! — I fell deeply in love with it. I absolutely love this work. It’s the joy of finally doing what I’ve always wanted to do.
Growing up, I was always drawn to those mystical shops, wanting to get readings, watch mediums work, read everything I could. I didn’t realize then that one day I’d be the one doing it. It feels like a soul calling — something I was meant to do all along.
Like any craft, some people are naturally more gifted at mediumship, just like some are naturally better at tennis. But ultimately, it’s about constantly growing, developing, reinventing yourself, and learning. As a teacher, I’m also a student, and as a student, I’m taught. It’s a lifelong healing journey.
Many mediums I’ve met have come from lives marked by trauma or hardship. I think those experiences shape us and deepen our work. Walking through grief and trauma often prepares us to connect with others in profound ways — it’s part of what catapults people into this path.
If you would like to find out more about Denise Wilkinson, please visit https://celestiallove.com.au/
