4 out 5 stars

Empath and Psychic Abilities for Beginners by Alyssa Vera is a wonderfully informative read and one that is well written. While I wanted to read everything at once, I took my time to parse the information given in the 13 chapters. Vera is successful in showing her readers that this is a subject to be considered and weighed while being retrospective and respectful toward themselves and others.

Vera begins by telling the reader a little of her own journey. She states that everyone’s journey to recognizing their empathic and/or psychic selves will not be the same as hers. We all have different moments of recognition of these parts of ourselves that are not always celebrated.

Vera introduces the reader to empathy and several different types of empaths. Throughout the book, she weaves a connecting thread of psychic abilities and how they may apply to empaths (throughout the stages of recognition, development, protection, management, etc.). As Vera introduces us to the empath types and skills, she also takes time to delineate the difference between empaths and psychics by guiding the reader through how to navigate the world as a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP).

The latter half of the book describes various types of protection and guidance to use along the empath journey. Vera defines and discusses chakra healing, Kundalini awakening, and reiki healing, and how to connect with your spirit guides. She then seamlessly goes into how to use these to help you with interpreting your dreams and further practical applications of empathy and psychic abilities.

Overall, this book is a wonderful introduction with thoughtful explanations of many aspects of empathic life. At times it feels like a college survey course for someone interested in a subject and wants to dip their toes into the water before fully diving in to commit to a major. I highly recommend this book for those who might want to know more about the full range of what it takes to recognize and strengthen their abilities. Also for those who might not be believers but who can appreciate what a beautiful and diverse world in which we live.

I received a complimentary copy, and this review is honest and voluntary.