Dr. Ciaran O'Keeffe

As a Parapsychologist I am dedicated to the investigation, dissemination and discussion of issues within the field of Parapsychology. There are numerous definitions of ‘Parapsychology’. In an attempt to distinguish itself from solely laboratory-based characterisations of the field, the description below is presented for guidance:

The prefix para means beside or beyond. Psychic phenomena are not isolated anomalies. They merge into the mystery of mind in all its aspects. Parapsychology is conceived as being, not outside and distinct from the field of psychology, but on its unexplored borders. Psychology ultimately must be concerned with the mind-body problem that has baffled philosophers through the ages, the riddle of the relation between consciousness and the objects of its awareness. The subject matter of parapsychology is a portion of this continuum of experience and awareness.

Rush, J. H. (1987). What is parapsychology?
In Edge, H., Morris, R. L., Rush, J.H. & Palmer, J. (Eds.) (1987).
Foundations of Parapsychology. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul, p. 3-8

A simpler definition would be “the scientific study of psi phenomena” which covers all aspects of ESP and PK (Extrasensory Perception and Psychokinesis). These aspects range from premonitions and telepathy to seeing ‘ghosts’, mediumistic communication and poltergeist activity. In general however we can say that all such experiences have 2 characteristics: 1) the correspondence between subjective feeling and an external event; 2) the absence of any known mechanism which may explain this correspondence. When I come to America in August it will be to do many things within my area of research. One will be to educate people about what Parapsychology truly is. Amongst all the definitions and exciting research I'll be throwing in some clever psychic tricks to make you question what you really see. In addition, I'll be simplifying some of the more complex scientific stuff about hauntings (e.g. EMF, Infrasound etc.). It won't all be Parapsychology lectures however.

As I progressed in my career operating on science's fringe I completed a Master's programme in Investigative Psychology. My independent research whilst part of the Centre for Investigative Psychology encompassed geo-spatial behavior of serial killers, mental maps of computer criminals and psychology of fraud. My dissertation examined the use of psychic detectives and their role (or hindrance) in criminal investigations. A survey in America revealed that 35 per cent of urban police departments admit to having used a psychic at least once in their investigations (Sweat & Durm, 1993). In addition, researchers from the Center for Scientific Anomalies Research (CSAR), reported the widespread use of psychic detectives in Holland, Germany, Britain and France. Most parapsychologists, however, seem to view an emphasis on alleged applications of psi to be premature and unreliable (Broughton, 1991). This highlights the need for further examination of the claims of psychic detectives. As part of my visit I will be running Psychic Criminology Workshops where you will take the role of psychic detectives in genuine serial cases. In addition I'll be teaching you some of the Investigative skills I've learned so you can critically assess actual cases of psychic detection. This is CSI, paranormal-style!

For those of you left wondering what else I'll be doing, the above lectures and workshops form only a fraction of my time in America. I will be regaling you with accounts of my experiences in paranormal shows such as Most Haunted - sometimes incredibly humours (and behind the scenes), sometimes simply scary! I will discuss the highs and pitfalls of working in paranormal TV. I will recount my regular battles with mediums & psychics, and discuss the complicated televised search for the answer to all manner of wild and wonderful paranormal phenomena including ghosts, poltergeist and ectoplasm! In addition I shall be constantly wearing my “investigator” hat and taking some of you round some of the most exciting allegedly haunted locations giving you a brief insight into how a Parapsychologist looks at phenomena or deals with fascinating topics like EVP.

So, are you as excited about my visit as I am? I hope so...

Biography of Dr. Ciaran O'Keeffe

Dr. Ciarán O’Keeffe's life has been, at times, diverse (rugby captain, classical pianist, language teacher, psychiatric nurse, Investigative Psychologist, gorilla campaigner). He is best known for providing a skeptical voice to various ‘paranormal’ shows (e.g. Living TV’s 'Most Haunted', and 'Jane Goldman Investigates'). A psychologist operating on science’s fringe, he's been involved in many unusual projects: the physiological effects of infrasound, ghost investigation of Hampton Court Palace, an exorcism ‘training day’ & lie detecting for the movie ‘Spy Game’ & author of the UK's best-selling book on ghosts – GhostHunters: A guide to investigating the paranormal. Additional parapsychological research includes: spontaneous case research, mediumship; psychic criminology; and ‘Christian’ parapsychology (i.e. exorcism, possession and stigmata). In the recent past he has participated in various documentaries with National Geographic and Discovery examining the use of psychics in criminal investigations and the role of infrasound in understanding haunting experiences. He has famously provided accounts of his daily activities in order to inform the lead in a recent popular UK television drama about the afterlife.