After-Death Communication: Healing the Hereafter

By Annie Larson, Published in Pathways Magazine, Summer 2025

After-death communication (ADC) refers to the experiences that individuals report having with a deceased loved one. These communications can manifest in various forms, such as vivid dreams, auditory messages, or even physical sensations that suggest the presence of the departed. Many people who experience ADC describe these moments as comforting and transformative, often providing a sense of connection that transcends the physical separation caused by death. The phenomenon of ADC can play a significant role in the grieving process, offering solace and reassurance to those left behind.

The intriguing phenomenon of ADC has captivated human curiosity across various cultures and historical periods, with countless individuals recounting experiences of sensing the presence, hearing voices, or seeing visions of their deceased loved ones. People often interpret these experiences as attempts by the deceased to reach out from beyond the grave. Distinct cultural beliefs about the afterlife shape these experiences, rooted in spiritual traditions, folklore, and personal narratives.

The concept of ADC is ancient, with civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Native American tribes believing that the spirits of the deceased could interact with the living, through dreams, omens, or tangible manifestations. Religious texts, like the Bible, contain narratives of instances of after-death communication, featuring visions or encounters with departed prophets. The 19th-century spiritualist movement, that coincided with the 620,000 deaths caused by the US Civil War, marked a significant surge in public interest in contacting the dead through mediums, séances, and other practices. Spiritualists regard ADC as genuine communication with the deceased, while psychologists attribute these encounters to grief, imagination, and the subconscious desire to connect with lost loved ones. (https://www.history.com/news/american-civil-war-deaths)

After-death communication can help ease the intense feelings of loss and loneliness that often accompany bereavement. This perceived connection can help individuals feel supported as they navigate their grief, allowing them to express their emotions and thoughts to their loved one, even after death. It can provide closure for those who are struggling with unresolved issues or unfinished business related to the deceased. For instance, if there were things left unsaid or conflicts unresolved, it could offer a chance for closure and forgiveness. Individuals often report feeling a sense of peace after such experiences, as they believe that their loved one has acknowledged their feelings and provided the understanding they needed to move forward. By reframing one’s perception of death and grief, reminds us of the bond that persists even after physical separation.

During a deeply transformative spiritual retreat, I had a profound and spontaneous ADC with my brother, who tragically passed away in 1989. This unexpected connection was a pivotal moment in my emotional journey, helping me release over two decades of guilt and grief related to his untimely departure. Our encounter finally allowed me to express the unspoken words and emotions that had lingered since his death. This extraordinary experience brought me closure, allowing me to release the burdens that had held me captive for years. I moved forward with renewed purpose, empowered to support others through their own journeys of loss and mourning. The impact of this encounter led me to integrate the concept of ADC into my advanced curriculum for training mediums. I believe that to offer ourselves fully to the spirit world and clients, we must first confront and resolve any negative emotions and unresolved entanglements. By addressing our emotional landscapes, we can create a profound and authentic bridge between the living and the departed.

Grieving can be an incredibly challenging and lengthy process, often filled with a wide range of emotions that can feel overwhelming. It is important to recognize that grief is a natural response to loss, and it can manifest in various ways, including sadness, anger, confusion, and even moments of joy as you remember the good times shared with your loved one. While the journey through grief is unique for everyone, there are several methods and strategies that can help you find peace amidst the turmoil and become more open to healing and resolution. These methods may include seeking support from friends and family, engaging in therapy or counseling, and allowing yourself to express your feelings through journaling or creative outlets. Understanding that healing does not mean forgetting can be a crucial part of the process. Embracing the idea that it is possible to carry your loved one’s memory with you while still moving forward in your own life can be liberating. Even though your loved one is no longer physically present in your life, their spirit and the memories you shared continue to exist within you. This enduring connection can serve as a source of comfort as you navigate the complexities of your grief. It’s helpful to create rituals or memorials that honor your loved one’s life, such as lighting a candle in their memory, visiting their favorite places, or taking part in activities that they enjoyed. These actions can help you feel a sense of closeness to them, even in their absence. As you work through your grief, you may find that it gradually transforms, allowing you to cherish the relationship you had while also making space for new experiences. Time and support will help you process your grief to emerge stronger.

Researchers are currently investigating ADC, examining psychological factors, prevalence rates, and the mechanisms that may explain these experiences. Many grief counselors and therapists are now embracing ADC to deal with clients experiencing lingering grief. Counselors and therapists who incorporate ADC into their practice often find that it provides an avenue for clients to process their emotions and experiences surrounding loss. Common forms of reported communication after death encompass sensing a presence, hearing voices, visual experiences, physical sensations, and symbolic encounters.

Ultimately, the path to healing is not linear, and it is essential to be patient with yourself as you navigate this journey. The five phases of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—often referred to as the Kübler-Ross model, provide a framework for understanding the emotional responses that individuals experience when dealing with loss, particularly the death of a loved one. In her 1974 book, “Questions and Answers on Death & Dying,” Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross stressed people do not experience these stages in a fixed order, and that they apply to various forms of grief, change, and loss. Individuals may experience them in different orders or revisit certain phases multiple times as they navigate through their grief journey. She noted each phase plays a vital role in the grieving process, and recognizing the significance of these emotions can help individuals find their way through the arduous journey of grief.

An ADC session fosters a receptive mindset in the client, increasing the chances of experiencing a connection with a loved one who has died. This enhanced openness can lead to various sensory experiences. Clients might sense their loved ones’ presence through visual experiences, seeing visions or images of the deceased in dreams or during waking moments; physical sensations, like feeling touch or warmth; and symbolic encounters, where meaningful coincidences or signs are messages from those who have passed. They might see a familiar image; hear familiar voices; smell specific scents linked to the deceased; or taste flavors reminiscent of favorite foods. They may experience goosebumps, butterflies in their stomach, or feel unusually hot or cold. Many individuals report a profound “sense of presence,” where they feel a strong connection to their loved one, as if they are right there beside them, providing comfort and reassurance.

It is essential to clarify an ADC experience differs significantly from traditional mediumship, where the medium serves as an intermediary, speaking on behalf of your departed loved one. Instead, ADC emphasizes your direct connection and communication with the spirit of your loved one. This method encourages you to be open to receiving messages in whatever form they may come, whether they are subtle nudges or more pronounced signs. To help with this experience, by bringing personal items that belong to the deceased to a session can serve as powerful conduits for connection and emotions tied to your loved one. Examples of such items include jewelry, clothing, or any objects that hold significant sentimental value. By incorporating these personal artifacts into the session, it brings a sense of presence and allows a physical connection for the spirit to use. By fostering an environment of acceptance and honoring the spirit of your loved one, we create a sacred space that invites healing and closure.

After-death communication can help transform the experience of loss into one that is more manageable. It can significantly aid individuals in their grief process by fostering a sense of connection, providing closure, and encouraging the celebration of life. Embracing these communications can ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of life, love, and the nature of existence itself.

Annie Larson, a psychic medium, is a sought-after speaker, reader, teacher, and healer who has been featured in TV, radio, podcasts, magazines, and newspapers, including The Washington Post. She offers help to connect you with your loved ones through an after-death communication session or through a mediumship session. She meets clients in-person in her office in Sterling, Virginia, via phone, and online. MediumAnnieLarson.com