Growing Up Psychic: My Story of Not Just Surviving but Thriving--and How Others Like Me Can, Too

by Chip Coffey

Internationally recognized psychic and star of A&E’s hit show Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal, Chip Coffey shares his personal story of discovering his gift at a young age and offers valuable advice for nurturing and embracing psychic ability.

NO one knows more about psychic kids than Chip Coffey, and no expert on psychic kids is better known throughout the world. These kids are widely misunderstood, misjudged, and misdiagnosed. In Growing Up Psychic, Chip Coffey offers indispensable information for anyone who interacts with these extraordinary youngsters—parents, educators, medical professionals, mental health clinicians, members of the clergy, paranormal investigators—and adults who faced the challenges of growing up psychic.

In Growing Up Psychic, drawing on his firsthand experience and the true stories of kids he has worked with and helped, Chip Coffey shows you how to:

• Determine if a child is really psychic—as opposed to simply imaginative or
seeking attention
• Identify the different kinds of psychic abilities kids (and adults) might have
• Gain control over when and how psychic information is received
• Safely connect with others in the psychic community
• Deal with skeptics and disbelievers

“Read Chip Coffey’s book to learn about an astonishing, inspiring, unexplained propensity of the human mind.”
—from the foreword written by Dr. Raymond Moody, author of Life After Life

Genres: Paranormal, Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Spirituality, Autobiography, Audiobook

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Eden Silverfox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have liked Chip Coffey since the first time I saw him on the TV show Paranormal State. I have had this book for a few years now and I've finally had the chance to read it.

While there is some in this book about his life, I was honestly hoping for more. But, even though I don't have any kids myself yet, I do think Chip gives parents great advice if they have children who are psychic.

Besides the advice Chip gives parents, there are also stories in here from the children and other people who have worked with him.

Although it wasn't what I expected, it was still a pretty good book and I enjoyed it.

[Ghostleegirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right out of the gate, I'd like to say that I am a fan of Mr Coffey, so I think that it's a given I would enjoy his book. I enjoyed reading about his own experiences along the road of life, and how he works with children who have the 'gift'. Whether or not you believe, it's refreshing to see someone who thinks of others rather than what people may say. Let's face it, everyone has had an experience of deja vu, or felt that something was coming. If you don't believe in the validity of such things, that's fine. But many people do, and to know that they can find help, support and acceptance is the most important thing in the world.

I was pleased to read a little more about the various children that appeared on the show 'Psychic Kid's' and it was nice to know that they are doing well.

Mr Coffey's easy, conversational writing style was quite refreshing, and it seemed as though he was speaking directly to the reader. If you have an interest in the subject, and are curious to know more about Mr Coffey and the kid's he worked with, then this book is for you!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! This one is a permanent in my collection and, not just because Chip signed it with a heart either. I learned about a few things I was unaware of previously. For starters I never knew of a "Walk-in" scary thought there but intriguing none the less and I'm looking forward to learning more. Then there are Indigo children also known as Crystal children or Star Children. I've heard the term Star children before but, that was associated with ET's not the spiritual realm in which I've been pulled to since 1979.

I highly recommend this book to any-one that has children or even works with children. Especially those that work with them. It's not just about the paranormal. This book has lessons of compassion and understanding, something sadly lacking in today's society.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book I received from a goodreads giveaway. I have a very open mind about many things, and I enjoyed this book. As a person going into the field of mental health counseling, I can appreciate the fact that all things don't have to "fit" into categories, and sometimes there is no scientific explanation for things.
This would be a good book for anyone who is interested in what it is like to grow up as a psychic. The way Mr. Coffey writes about some of the struggles that he and other children like him have had to face, makes it easier to be empathatic to anyone who may be termed not "normal".

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who was already a fan of Mr. Coffey, the fact that I liked this book didn't surprise me, much. Non-fiction is generaly not my thing, but it was short, and I won it as a Goodreads First Read.

I didn't realise that this book would touch me in the way that it did. There is valuble wisdom in this book. Valuble experiences and good common sense laid out in one of the most helpful, and personable mannors that I have ever encountered. This is a book that I intend to have my own psychic kids read, and all five of mine are to one degree or another.

Chip thank you for this friendly helping hand and I hope to see more of your works on my bookshelf in the future.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author is very talented story writer who shares great stories of helping psychic children struggle through finding themselves.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Chip Coffey and I appreciate the work that his does. I admire his passion to help children and their parents deal with their own paranormal experiences. He has been one of the most intriguing psychic mediums I've ever heard of and his technique is fascinating. This book is geared to children/teens and parents and giving them concrete tools they can use to assist in times of fear and activity. More than anything, it helps assure people that they are not crazy and it helps to show parents that medical assistance is not always the best option in these cases.

I read the entire thing in about 2 1/2 hrs.

I would love to have seen more autobiographical information, but I was very interested in the tidbits he did include.

[Beth Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars! I enjoy watching Chip Coffey on TV, so I decided to listen to his audiobook as part of my Spooky Season 2023 fun. I was disappointed he didn't read his own book, but the reader did a fine job. Coffey shares bits and pieces of his biography. His book truly is a guide for parents and other significant adults in psychic kids' lives, so the book is more of a companion to his PSYCHIC KIDS TV show, and it includes some stories from the series. Coffey's ultimate message is to show compassion to those who are different and may have abilities that even they don't understand.

[Shahrun · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really not sure what I make of this book. It wasn't what I was expecting at all really. I wasn't hoping for more of an autobiography. But there was a lot of self help elements (guess the clue was in be title). Some of the anecdotes were a bit suspect for me, as I have read them before in other unconnected sources. Also, I know for a fact I have never read this book before, but there were pretty much no surprises in it for me, I knew all the punchlines. It left me feeling very confused.

[Marylar · Rating 4 out of 5]

i won this on a goodreads giveaway. I wish i had this book when i was a kid, it sure would have helped alot. a wonderful book lots of good info into how to not loose your abilities ,when others dont understand and and you can loose them , $ stars. thank you for writing this book. i will be reading this one with my niece.

[Emilie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chip Coffey is a very. serious. psychic. He wants you to be patient and loving with your psychic child. A handy reference guide for any parent, that is if you think your kid is talking to ghosts.

I love when Chip makes guest appearances on Paranormal State and couldn't pass up the opportunity to read his book; my expectations weren't high and I enjoyed it just as much as I thought I would.

[Amanda Salinas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually a useful and well thought out book. Mr. Coffey does great work. A must read for anyone interested in the paranormal.

[Tara Bruecken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped me understand that my experiences are not in my head

[Carol Meerschaert · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was referenced in a Jodi Picoult book, so I got it from the library. It was not good.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected to hear more of Chip’s personal story. Instead, the book seems to consist mostly of other people’s stories.

I’m baffled by the inclusion of Mark David Chapman’s story at the end. Was the word count shy of what was stated in the publishing contract?

Many paranormal investigators seem to be quite religious. Chip takes that a step further by including several prayers in the appendices, including one in Latin for clearing a space of demons. I want to ask him if he thinks that one would work at the mall on Black Friday.

I find accounts of the paranormal entertaining, even though I don’t buy the woo-woo explanations for it. I think this book would have been more entertaining if Chip had focused on specific investigations (from Kindred Spirits for instance), and less on the advice to budding young psychics.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who have psychic/intuitive gifts, this book by recognized psychic Chip Coffey offers hope and encouragement for not only psychic children but for those adults who are living with the blessing of psychic skills. As you learn more about Coffey, his life and his experiences as a career spiritual counselor, those who have this gift learn how to use this gift, how to help others and how to protect oneself from the attacks of skeptics and naysayers. Both intimate and informative, this book is an invaluable source for those who have this gift and for those who have family/friends with this gift.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful base guide to figuring out how to respond to questions about psychic abilities, and really anything in general. Coffey puts things simply, bluntly, and with a touch of humor thrown in. It gave me a message I really needed to hear: these gifts are God given. Don't pick this up expecting an autobiography though, it's not that. It's also written in the style of a therapist aimed to help you talk to children. So, if that's not what you're after, I'd pick something else to read. Hope you don't.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ADORE Chip. I don’t care if you think he’s phony. I think he’s fabulous. I would have liked more about Chip but I do think it could be an amazing resource for starting to figure out wtf to do if you suspect you or your child has psychic abilities. I’m also going to need an updated book because his career has grown so much even just since this book was published. A super quick and informative read for sure.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not being a psychic kid or the parent of a psychic kid, I'm not the intended audience for this book, but I enjoyed it anyway. Chip Coffey has an easy-going writing style and this book reads like he was sitting across from you chatting with you.
I enjoyed his anecdotes, and I found the story about Mark David Chapman particularly haunting.

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I COULD JUST KISS CHIP COFFEY

This book absolutely resonates with me and my life. It is not a how to. It is not a workbook. It is REAL. It is RELATABLE. It is COMFORTING. I'm not alone. I'm not crazy.
I recommend this to anyone who believes they may be psychic or may know someone who is psychic. You just may understand yourself (or them) better.

[sequoia spirit · Rating 4 out of 5]

i got this book this afternoon & i just finished it.. i'm a huge fan of Chip Coffey.. i loved reading about his early life.. then it went into a lot of experiences from the kids on his Psychic Kids tv show.. i would love to hear more of Chips personal experiences, he's an interesting guy with an interesting life..
great book!

[Quinn Swartzendruber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d never heard of the author or the television show, but was given the book to read. It seemed pretty basic and read almost like an outline. A couple of the stories would stick with me so I thought a 3 Star was fair instead of less.

[Dr. R.B. James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, Brave, and True

Chip, reading your delightful biography struck deep, meaningful resonances within me. Thank You for being the bright light in the darkness. What a wonderful resource. I hope your book is read by endless Psychics of all ages.

[☆ Rebecca ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars because i love chip coffey, otherwise the writing of this book is not so well done. it's too conversational to be a book, more blog post oriented than anything. and the choppy nature of the narrative was hard to read. dnf.

[Patricia G. Hermitage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story!

At first, I had hoped that there would be educational components in this book. Perhaps some tips to help my/your own intuitive abilities. But, I am not disappointed! I truly enjoyed this story about Chip and his life. Very easy read. Thank you!

[sherry phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chip Coffey Nails "Psychic"

A great review and explanation for psychic individuals or those with psychic relatives and friends. Teaches "what a gift" being psychic involves. Encourages faith and blessing God for all He provides.
Look forward to his next book.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this insightful book about psychics, Chip's life growing up with his gifts, and hearing the stories from the psychic children and their parents he's helped through the tv show Psychic Kids.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Chip and his direct approach to the paranormal and all things psychic. While I do wish he talked more about his personal experiences, the last bit of the book was very inspirational and comforting.

[Kaleigh Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chip Coffey is a renown psychic appearing on many paranormal tv shows of my childhood. Getting the first hand knowledge of how he grew up, came to be, and everything he has done to help others was an absolutely incredible read. Highly recommend!!

[Laura Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chop is awesome

Chip is a natural story teller. He is sincere, caring, and knowledgeable. Chip would be the man that I would call if I needed him.