Psychics are aware of things one cannot perceive through the five physical senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste or smell. They are said to have a "sixth sense" which is often called "extra sensory perception" (ESP) or just "intuition". There are several types of psychic "sensings" similar to seeing, hearing and feeling.

Clairvoyance is the ability to "see" images in one's mind that are not visible to the naked eye, and may sometimes be scenes from the future or the past. Some clairvoyants may see the colors of "auras", the energy patterns surrounding people's bodies.

Clairaudience is the ability to "hear" sounds or voices not audible to others. Some clairaudients called "mediums" may receive verbal messages from "spirits" or deceased persons.

Clairsentience is the ability to "feel" sensations or emotional energies not noticed by others. Clairsentients who have this ability may be "psychic healers".

Channelers act as a "channel" for information from the spirit realm, either writing it down ("automatic writing") or letting a voice speak through them.