People often ask me how I gather the information I give to clients during psychic readings. The key is utilizing the four main avenues our intuition uses to communicate with us, known in psychic circles as the "four clairs": clairaudience (hearing voices), clairvoyance (seeing images), clairsentience (recognizing feelings), and claircognizance (knowing).

While some people might be naturally stronger in one of the four clairs (and you can find out which clair is strongest for you using this quiz), everyone can improve their intuition and experiment with new methods.

Clairaudient messages sound like someone talking in my mind. This voice will never be harsh or tormenting (unlike voices that people who have certain psychological conditions, severe hormone imbalances, or vitamin and mineral deficiencies can hear). The tone of this voice is almost always the same: even and calm.

Messages that arrive clairaudiently for clients during readings are usually straightforward, like "wait until after graduation" or "ask for a monthly retainer." Clairaudience often offers short messages, like Yoda from Star Wars. Sometimes the message will be only one word or number.

For instance, I may receive the message that the client's subconscious blocks were triggered by a traumatic event when she was "13" or that the client might want her next career to be "nursing" or that her husband's name is "Frank."

Some people use the term "clairvoyant" as if it were synonymous with "psychic," but really clairvoyance is just one of the four clairs a psychic uses.

Clairvoyant messages, which arrive as an image or scene in my mind, usually come as a metaphor. If the client is overwhelmed I might see them drowning or carrying some large bundle on their back.

If I see an image of the continental plates shifting or the ground shaking beneath someone’s feet, it means the client is experiencing such dramatic life changes that nothing feels stable.

If a client is looking for a new job or business partnership, I might see them fishing, with lots of little fish swimming by their line. This might mean the client should wait for the "big fish," or the really plum offer.

Clairsentient messages come through as a feeling, and clairsentience is the most common of the four clairs.

Gut instincts, being able to read the emotions of others, or sensing the collective energy of a room all fall under this umbrella.

Before I get on the phone with a client I can usually get a feeling for their energy: bubbly, serious, outgoing, highly intellectual, nurturing. Whenever I give a client a message and I get chills all over, I know the message is important for the client to hear.

How do I know if one of my clients' parents had narcissistic tendencies, or if my client's child is very sensitive? How do I hone in on subconscious blocks and old wounds that are holding the client back or comprehend instantly complex relationships the client has with friends and co-workers?

The next time you are trying to figure something out and your logical brain is stumped—whether it’s your boss’ motivations or the quickest way to get your afternoon errands accomplished—silently ask your intuition to give you the answer through claircognizance.

Intuition is a gift, but one that we all possess. Don’t be shy or intimidated about getting more in touch with yours. Practice tuning in and trusting for better results.