Spontaneous Contacts with the Deceased describes a groundbreaking international study of after-death communications (ADCs), richly illustrated with graphic first-hand testimonies and fleshed out with the data from a 200-item questionnaire on the nature and impact of the ADC. These life-changing experiences include visions, sounds, smells, and touch that seem to come from the deceased, as well as unexplained movements and breaking of objects at the moment of death and the previously-undescribed partial temporary paralysis during the encounter. Some ADCs involve warnings to the experiencer of an immediate danger, and some convey practical knowledge, such as the location of an insurance policy or other document that had been unknown to anyone still alive. In some ADCs, the experiencers were informed of their loved one’s death by the deceased individuals themselves before anyone else knew of the death. This comprehensive book focuses on the lived experiences of people who have them, both the nature of the ADC and its impact on the mourning process. ADCs do not exempt the bereaved from working through their brief, but they can bring comfort, joy, support, and strength to complete that work. “Spontaneous Contacts with the Deceased” fills an important role in documenting how common and how normal ADCs are, which will vastly help not only people who experience them but anyone who is bereft at the loss of a loved one.

– Bruce Greyson, M.D., Carlson Professor Emeritus, Division of Perceptual Studies, Dept. of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia Health System

Of the more than 35 studies of ADC that have been conducted since the late 1800s, the study described in this book is the most extensive and in-depth. Results confirm, clarify, and greatly expand on previous research. Rich with both data and experiencers’ narratives, this book is a must-reading for anyone who wishes to have a thorough grasp of both the head and the heart of ADC.

– Janice Miner Holden, EdD, LPC-S, ACMHP, Professor Emerita of Counseling, University of North Texas, USA, President of International Association for Near-Death Studies, and Editor of the Journal of Near-Death Studies

Can we communicate with our deceased loved ones? This is one of humankind’s most enduring questions. Spontaneous Contacts with the Deceased brings a new and exciting perspective to this ancient question. Evelyn Elsaesser is exceptionally qualified to comment on the after-death communication question as she is a highly respected researcher and author. The dramatic personal accounts artfully bring to life the important study findings. Each turn of the page is a treasure trove of insights and inspiration. This outstanding book is expertly written, remarkably easy to read, and enthusiastically recommended.

– Jeffrey Long, M.D., author of the New York Times bestselling Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near-Death Experiences, and founder of the After Death Communication Research Foundation, adcrf.org.

This book is a beautiful and well-researched testament to the continuation of our consciousness and the importance of communications from those who have passed. Compelling and powerful!

– Prof. J. Kim Penberthy Ph.D., ABPP, Chester F. Carlson Professor of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, Division of Perceptual Studies, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA

This book is a rich goldmine of heart-moving experiences and insights from people of many countries who have received communications from family members and others who have passed away. I felt my heart expand as I read their expressions of joy in knowing a loved one was still present, and I laughed with them when their beloved made a humorous comment that only they would recognize. A highlight of this book was the author’s careful analysis of these remarkable events, suggesting that these experiences are real, and are a precious part of our connection with loved ones on the other side.

– Prof. Majorie Woollacott, Ph.D., Professor, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR