Allison DuBois is the real-life medium whose unique abilities inspired the hit NBC television series “Medium.” As a resident of Arizona and a graduate of Arizona State University, she claims to have the ability to communicate with the dead, work with law enforcement on investigations, and offer insights into unsolved cases. Her life and career have drawn attention both for her psychic work and her influence on popular culture.

DuBois’s story captured the interest of viewers and readers alike after serving as a consultant for the series based on her experiences. Her work has led her to author several books and become a public figure beyond the television world, speaking about her life and abilities through social media and podcasts. The ongoing fascination with Allison DuBois raises questions about the intersection of psychic claims, law enforcement, and entertainment.

Who Is Allison DuBois?

Allison DuBois is a well-known American psychic medium and author whose experiences inspired the television series "Medium." Her life and work are frequently discussed due to claims of unique psychic abilities, which she states have been central to both her personal development and professional career.

Early Life and Background

Allison DuBois was born and raised in Arizona. She spent much of her childhood in Phoenix, where she attended local schools and developed an early interest in understanding people’s motivations and emotions.

DuBois went on to pursue higher education at Arizona State University. She studied political science and psychology, which provided her with a structured way to explore human behavior—a theme that would influence her later work.

From a young age, DuBois reported having experiences that she could not easily explain, which set her apart from her peers. These experiences later formed the foundation for her claims of a sixth sense and psychic gifts.

Family and Personal Life

DuBois is married and has children, and she often speaks about the impact her family has had on grounding her amidst public scrutiny. Her family members have sometimes been referenced in both her writing and public appearances, serving as sources of support and inspiration.

She maintains a relatively private personal life, especially regarding her children, to shield them from media attention. Despite her public persona, DuBois emphasizes the importance of ordinary family routines and traditions.

Her role as a mother and spouse is frequently cited as equally central to her identity as her psychic work. The balance between her family dynamics and professional life is a recurring topic in interviews and her published books.

Discovery of Psychic Abilities

DuBois claims her psychic abilities first manifested in early childhood, often through vivid dreams and “messages” she believed came from the deceased. She asserts that these experiences were initially confusing but eventually became a regular part of her life.

As a teenager, she recognized that her intuitive insights often touched on information she could not have otherwise known. This realization prompted her to further explore her psychic gifts, eventually leading her to help law enforcement agencies as a consultant.

DuBois has described her sixth sense as both a talent and a challenge. She attributes her later career—working with crime victims and teaching others about intuitive phenomena—to the early discovery and acceptance of her psychic abilities.

Allison DuBois as a Medium

Allison DuBois is well known for her reported ability to act as a medium and psychic. Her work attracts interest because of her specific claims about communicating with the dead and interpreting impressions related to the paranormal.

Understanding Mediumship

Mediumship involves claiming the ability to communicate with spirits from beyond the grave. DuBois identifies herself as both a medium and a psychic, stressing that her abilities include the capacity to receive and interpret messages from those who have died.

She has often described her experiences as deeply personal, with impressions arriving through feelings, visuals, or sounds. Her involvement as a consultant on the TV show "Medium" highlights how her reported gifts have influenced popular culture.

Key aspects of her mediumship include:

Direct spirit communication through impressions
Participating in criminal investigations
Public readings and private consultations

Her approach to mediumship is rooted in her belief that these talents can help others gain closure or find answers.

Unique Approach to the Paranormal

Unlike many in the field, DuBois emphasizes her structured process for receiving psychic information. She describes a blend of intuition, meditation, and focus to attune herself to what she perceives as messages from spirits.

Her method often includes keeping detailed journals of impressions. She also sets clear boundaries for when and how she will engage with the paranormal, reflecting a disciplined approach not always found among self-described psychics.

To provide clarity, DuBois has appeared in both private sessions and public events, outlining her process in detail. She distances herself from sensational claims and focuses on information she feels is genuinely received during readings.

Types of Psychic Impressions

Allison DuBois classifies her psychic impressions into several main categories:

Visual (clairvoyant) impressions: She reports seeing images or scenarios in her mind.
Auditory (clairaudient) impressions: She perceives words, names, or sentences as if being spoken.
Sensory or emotional (clairsentient) impressions: Physical sensations or emotional responses that relate to the person or spirit.

These categories help her interpret the information she receives. She explains that impressions may be clear or vague, and accuracy can vary depending on the situation. Discriminating between her own thoughts and genuine psychic impressions is something she acknowledges as an ongoing challenge in her work.

Professional Work with Law Enforcement

Allison DuBois is known for her collaboration with law enforcement, especially in cases involving serious crimes. She has provided her services as a medium and criminal profiler, supporting investigations into homicides and missing persons.

Criminal Profiler Contributions

DuBois worked with various law enforcement agencies, including police departments and the Texas Ranger Division, contributing her insights as a criminal profiler. Her role centered on offering behavioral observations and potential leads based on her claimed psychic abilities.

She did not act independently but served as a supplementary consultant alongside traditional forensic experts. Police sometimes asked her to review crime scene evidence or victim profiles in particularly difficult cases.

In several instances, DuBois provided detailed character sketches of potential suspects. Law enforcement credited her with generating alternative investigative angles, though these were always considered alongside standard forensic analyses.

Her involvement was typically informal and consultative, and she was not employed as a full-time staff member. Her work focused on supporting ongoing investigations rather than leading or formally directing cases.

Work in Homicide Cases

DuBois was most often brought into homicide cases where other leads had stalled. She worked with homicide detectives to review crime scene photos, statements, and forensic details, sometimes offering her impressions on motive or suspect characteristics.

Notably, DuBois has stated that her insights occasionally matched later findings from forensic experts. Her approach was to supplement, rather than replace, the traditional criminal investigation process.

She claims consultation on cases involving high-profile murders, but documentation regarding the direct impact of her contributions is limited. Her publicized involvement helped raise awareness about the challenges of solving homicides, though skepticism among law enforcement professionals has persisted.

Cases Involving Missing Persons

In missing persons cases, DuBois reportedly assisted by providing information related to the location or wellbeing of the individual involved. Families and investigative teams sometimes sought her input when official search efforts turned up few results.

Although she has not been directly linked with the Elizabeth Smart case, DuBois cited high-profile missing persons investigations as part of her experience. She often worked in conjunction with local police, sharing her impressions during case reviews or tip-line meetings.

Her role in these cases was supportive, and she emphasized cooperation with ongoing searches and police protocols. Detailed records of her impact are not widely available, and there is little formal recognition of her work in official case files. Her participation in these investigations illustrates ongoing debate about the use of unconventional consultants by law enforcement.

Allison DuBois and the Scientific Community

Allison DuBois’s claims as a psychic medium have attracted both interest and skepticism from scientific researchers. She has participated in several experiments designed to evaluate psychic abilities, often sparking debate about the validity and rigor of such studies.

Research and Testing as a Medium

DuBois has been involved in research that aimed to investigate the existence and accuracy of psychic phenomena. She has participated in controlled experiments with scientists, including those conducted by Dr. Gary Schwartz at the University of Arizona.

These experiments often followed specific protocols, such as single- or double-blind methods, to test her ability to relay information that she could not have obtained through normal means. The findings from these studies have been published in scientific journals, but they remain controversial within the wider scientific community. While some researchers have reported statistically significant results supporting her abilities, critics argue about methodological weaknesses and the potential for bias.

Key points from the studies:

Use of blind procedures
Evaluation of accuracy rates
Debate over experimental design

Despite claims of positive results, the majority of mainstream scientists remain unconvinced that her abilities have been demonstrated under truly rigorous conditions.

Use of the Scientific Method

The scientific method requires repeatability, transparency, and objectivity in data collection and analysis. Critics of psychic research, including work involving DuBois, argue that these standards are difficult to fully achieve in experiments testing mediums.

Most studies involving DuBois have tried to address common criticisms by using blinding and statistical analyses. However, issues such as small sample sizes and control over information remain concerns. Many in the scientific community emphasize the need for independent replication of positive findings.

Elements of the scientific method in medium research:

Hypothesis formulation about psychic ability
Experimental protocols with controls
Statistical analysis of accuracy and probability

Although supporters claim that some studies suggest genuine results, skepticism persists due to the challenges in eliminating all alternative explanations for the findings.

“Medium” Television Series: Creation and Impact

The television series "Medium" brought the real-life experiences of Allison DuBois into mainstream entertainment. By merging true crime elements with the supernatural, the show explored the intersection of psychic phenomena and law enforcement.

Inspiration Behind the Show

"Medium" was directly inspired by Allison DuBois, an American author and self-proclaimed medium. DuBois asserted that she could communicate with the dead and use her abilities to assist law enforcement in solving criminal cases.

Glenn Gordon Caron, known for his previous work on "Moonlighting," developed the show after meeting DuBois. He was impressed by her background and real-life cases, which shaped narrative themes and character arcs. The series sought to mirror aspects of DuBois’ family life as well as her work as a consultant.

This combination of family dynamics and psychic investigation distinguished "Medium" from other shows. Caron's approach emphasized a blend of the ordinary and extraordinary.

Representation of Psychic Experiences

The series portrayed psychic experiences as grounded, portraying Allison's visions as both a gift and a challenge. Scenes depicted her navigating disturbing dreams, often involving crime victims seeking justice.

Writers consulted with DuBois to create scenes that reflected her reported perceptions. The show avoided portraying psychic abilities as infallible, instead showing the ambiguity and personal cost of her experiences.

Dream sequences became a hallmark of the series, using visual storytelling to convey information hidden from law enforcement. This approach balanced realism with dramatic effect, making the psychic elements more relatable to audiences.

Role of Patricia Arquette

Patricia Arquette starred as Allison DuBois, bringing depth and credibility to the central character. Arquette’s performance won her the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2005.

She worked closely with both the showrunner and DuBois to ensure an authentic portrayal. Her nuanced interpretation highlighted Allison's vulnerabilities, as well as her determination to help others.

Arquette’s portrayal resonated with viewers because it balanced the extraordinary aspects of psychic ability with the everyday struggles of parenting and marriage. The character’s grounded demeanor set her apart from typical television psychics.

NBC’s Involvement and Showrunning

NBC greenlit "Medium" as a midseason replacement in 2005, with Glenn Gordon Caron serving as showrunner and head writer. The network played a significant role in shaping the show's structure and pacing to suit primetime audiences.

NBC promoted the series heavily, positioning it as a blend of supernatural procedural and family drama. The show’s success led to multiple seasons and sustained viewership.

Key decisions—such as focusing on Allison’s home life and emphasizing case-of-the-week storylines—were made in collaboration with Caron and NBC executives. The network’s support helped "Medium" earn critical praise and remain a staple of American television during its broadcast run.

Books and Publications by Allison DuBois

Allison DuBois is known for her work as a medium and author. Her books draw from her personal experiences with mediumship, especially her interactions with people and the spirit world.

Overview of “Don’t Kiss Them Good-bye”

Don’t Kiss Them Good-bye is Allison DuBois’s debut book. It provides readers with insight into her claimed abilities to communicate with the deceased and her journey as a medium. The book outlines experiences from her early life as well as her time assisting law enforcement with investigations.

This autobiography became widely recognized after inspiring the television series Medium. In addition to her personal story, DuBois discusses how she first realized her abilities during her years at Arizona State University. The book presents specific cases she worked on and describes challenges she faced both personally and professionally as a result of her unique role.

The writing gives readers a firsthand look at how DuBois handled skepticism and attention from the media. The table below summarizes key elements of the book:

Aspect Description Genre Autobiography / Memoir Main Focus Mediumship, Law Enforcement Collaboration Notable Connection Inspired NBC’s "Medium" TV series First Published 2005

Themes and Insights from Her Books

Allison DuBois’s books frequently explore topics of connection, loss, and comfort after death. She places importance on family, spiritual messages, and the hope of continued life after physical death. Through detailed stories, she illustrates her belief that relationships do not end when a person passes away.

Her writing style tends to be personal, aiming to reassure readers who are seeking comfort after a loss. DuBois also addresses skepticism, describing how she navigates doubt from both the public and those closest to her. She shares advice for those who want to connect spiritually or are curious about intuition.

Readers will often find examples from real cases she worked on, which include details of her collaborations with law enforcement. The books prioritize clarity and support, especially for those facing grief, promoting a balanced and respectful tone throughout.

Predictions and Public Persona

Allison DuBois is known for making high-profile predictions and for her widely discussed public image. Her career as a medium has centered on both her claimed psychic abilities and the attention they have drawn in the media.

Famous Predictions

Allison DuBois has reported making several notable predictions, some of which have drawn significant media attention. For instance, she once predicted the breakup of a cast member from "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," which later became widely discussed when it appeared to come true. DuBois often shares claims about having foreseen personal or high-profile events, including details reportedly relayed to law enforcement during criminal investigations.

Her predictions are usually presented as specific messages she claims to receive from the deceased. These reported insights have contributed to her reputation as a psychic medium and inspired elements of the TV show “Medium.” Though supporters cite examples involving unsolved cases and celebrity stories, skeptics point to a lack of independently verified successes. Her predictions continue to generate discussion among both believers and critics.

Public Reactions and Media Coverage

DuBois’s public persona is closely tied to her media appearances and the controversies they sometimes invite. She gained widespread notice when her life inspired the TV show "Medium," where her abilities were dramatized through the character played by Patricia Arquette. This exposure brought her both fans and skeptics, leading to a divided public response.

She has authored books and appeared on talk shows, further amplifying her profile. Media outlets have covered events where her predictions were put to the test, sometimes with favorable stories but also with criticism and doubts over accuracy. Discussions on social media highlight both praise for her work and scrutiny over failed predictions or lack of scientific backing. This ongoing debate has cemented her as a divisive figure in the world of psychics and mediums.

Reality Television and Pop Culture

Allison DuBois is widely known for inspiring the hit television series "Medium," but her public profile also expanded through notable appearances on reality television. Her role on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills—especially during the "Dinner Party from Hell" episode—became a prominent pop culture moment and shaped public perceptions of her outside her work as a medium.

Appearances on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Allison DuBois was a guest on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 1, introduced as a friend of Camille Grammer. Her presence was part of a private dinner gathering at Camille's home. The show depicted her as confident and unfiltered, with a focus on her medium abilities.

She communicated openly about her psychic work, claiming to deliver direct and sometimes personal insights. DuBois’s appearance was distinct due to her willingness to read and analyze the other participants. This exposure introduced her to a mainstream reality TV audience who may not have been familiar with her prior media work.

Her segment contributed to the mix of personalities and tensions showcased on the series. The setting allowed DuBois to showcase her personality outside the narrative lens of scripted television.

The Dinner Party from Hell Episode

The episode known as the "Dinner Party from Hell" is often cited as one of the most memorable in Real Housewives history. The event featured heated conversations and awkward tensions, much of which revolved around DuBois and her interactions with the group.

During the dinner, DuBois became engaged in confrontational exchanges, especially after reading the futures of some attendees. She was seen holding an electronic cigarette and making several pointed remarks. Her statements, delivered with certainty, fueled arguments and unease at the table.

The episode remains notable for viewers because of the intense and unscripted drama. Clips from the dinner became widely circulated, cementing its place in pop culture discussions about reality TV conflict.

Interactions with Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky

Among the more talked-about moments was Allison DuBois’s interaction with Kyle Richards and her husband Mauricio Umansky. DuBois made predictive statements and comments about Kyle’s marriage, which Kyle and Mauricio later addressed publicly.

She claimed that Mauricio would "never emotionally fulfill" Kyle, which led to visibly uncomfortable reactions. These comments received significant attention both from the cast and from fans. Tension escalated as Kyle challenged the accuracy and appropriateness of Allison’s statements.

This on-screen exchange was critical in shaping DuBois's image on reality TV. It also highlighted the sometimes contentious dynamic between guests and cast members in unscripted scenarios.

Camille Grammer and Kelsey Grammer Connections

Allison’s invitation as a dinner guest stemmed from her friendship with Camille Grammer, who was a central housewife during the series' early seasons. Their connection was portrayed as authentic, and DuBois was featured as someone within Camille’s close social circle.

Camille’s then-husband, Kelsey Grammer, was discussed during the season for his absence and emerging marital issues. While Kelsey was not present during the dinner, his relationship with Camille was a recurring topic, and Allison’s presence was partly meant to support Camille during this time.

This alliance between DuBois and Camille offered a glimpse into the real-life connections that influence casting and storylines on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. It also positioned Allison not just as an outside guest but as someone integrated into the show's ongoing interpersonal narratives.

Profile: Allison DuBois—The Inspiration for Medium Explored