Interview With...

Rita Berkowitz: Spirit Artist, I just secured the website, which is currently being constructed, TheSpiritArtist.com

Bob Olson: When did you first recognize that you had this gift? 

Rita Berkowitz: I first realized my gifts at the age of 13, when a friend gave me a OUIJA board as a birthday present. I was able to answer questions on it to the point that my mother got scared and disposed of it. Years later, people kept telling me that I went beyond the surface when I was painting portraits and diagnosing illnesses in the paintings. A friend insisted and paid for me to take a psychic development class, and it took off form there.

Bob Olson: When did you begin doing this work professionally?

Rita Berkowitz:  I first started working professionally through the Spiritualist Church.  In 1990, a friend of a friend was in a serious car accident and I was asked to demonstrate spirit art as a fund-raiser to help pay for hospital bills.  After the demonstration, there was a stampede to sin up for drawings.  I was tested for the first time to prove my abilities, by a group in Rhode Island and passed. They immediately approached me to begin working for their organization.

About 2 years before that, I was doing some prosperity work because an art class didn’t materialize that I was to teach, I asked the universe “how” I was going to earn money to support my studio for that summer.  Within 30 minutes someone called and asked how much I would charge for a reading.  

Bob Olson: Have you had any formal training or instruction for this work?

Rita Berkowitz: I have been trained as a medium at the Spiritualist Church, but self taught as a spirit artist. 

Bob Olson: What other educational degrees, certifications or learned skills do you have that help you in this work? 

Rita Berkowitz: I have a Master of Science in Psychological Counseling, a Bachelor of Fine Arts, and have studied and attended workshops for years. I have also been attuned to reiki 1,2, & 3 and have taken yoga for about 25 years.

Bob Olson: What is your intention or motivation for doing this work? 

Rita Berkowitz: To prove the continuity of life and to give those in the spirit world a voice and a face. It is always about healing.

Bob Olson: What do you find most fulfilling about this work that you do ?

Rita Berkowitz: The most fulfilling part of my work is how often I have been contacted to tell me how much the sitting or drawing has helped the person in need.  Many times I have been told that it has changed someone’s belief system or even their life.

Bob Olson: How long do your readings last and why did you choose this length of time?

Rita Berkowitz: My readings usually last a hour if they are done as private readings and I will agree to do half hours if I am doing a group.  It usually seems that the contact can talk for about that time as well as have their portrait done.  I prefer the one-hour readings.

Bob Olson: What can one expect during a normal reading with you?

Rita Berkowitz: When I sit down with someone, depending on what kind of reading they are requesting, I begin with centering with the client and quietly saying my opening prayers.  Usually someone will show him/herself to me during this time.  I will usually be given how they passed first and then aspects of their personality and shared stories.  During this time I will start the drawing, if it has been requested.

Bob Olson: How is a reading with you "similar" to what people see on TV when John Edward gives a reading on his show "Crossing Over With John Edward?"

Rita Berkowitz: One of the ways my readings are like John Edwards is that I will be shown images that I can recognize that give me hints to the story. 

Bob Olson: How is a reading with you "different" to what people see on TV when John Edward gives a reading on his show "Crossing Over With John Edward?"

Rita Berkowitz: I was trained not to ask so many questions, to answer yes, no or I don’t understand.  I always tell the client that if there is anything that they can not relate to, let me know and I will ask my guides for clarification.

Bob Olson: What instructions do you give new clients before a reading?

Rita Berkowitz: The instructions that I give is to relax and keep their mind opened, to let me know if there is anything that they can not relate to and not to feed me any information. 

Bob Olson: Is there anything about your gift or abilities that is unique from most other psychics or mediums?

Rita Berkowitz: YES! I draw dead people.

Bob Olson: If you do events, seminars, workshops, lectures or retreats, tell us about them. What are they like, how often do you do them and how do people benefit from attending them?

Rita Berkowitz:  I do events, I was a guest demonstrator at the New Age Expo three times, the International Spiritualist Federation and the most fabulous demonstration in Portsmouth, NH.  I have taught seminars in New Age/Holistic Shops and at churches and will be working with Glyn Edwards in Stansted, UK this fall giving a week-long seminar in Spirit Art.  I did many retreats in the past at Camp Etna.  What they are like depends on if they are requesting more of a demonstration/lecture or a hands on workshop.

Bob Olson: Do you do phone readings, in person readings or both?

Rita Berkowitz: Yes, I do phone reading and drawings.

Bob Olson: How does one contact you to set up an appointment for a reading?

Rita Berkowitz: They can e-mail me at SpiritRita@aol.com or call me at 
(781) 826-8107.

Bob Olson: Is there anything you would like people to know about you or your gift that we have not yet discussed?

Rita Berkowitz:  You have already said it in the article and I’m so shy.

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Rita Berkowitz
(781) 826-8107