As the cameras rolled, Christina von Dreien sat cross-legged on a large gray sofa, arms folded onto her knees, as if in meditation. She moved only occasionally, to reposition an orange cushion next to her. The informal studio decor reflected the target audience of the Swiss TV show “Time to Be,” which is aimed largely at young people, but the conversation was strangely earnest.

Von Dreien, a fresh-faced 19-year-old, spoke to host Norbert Brakenwagen with great seriousness about emotions being stored in human hair, reincarnation and our individual missions “as human beings here on this planet.” 

“When we love ourselves unconditionally, that love will automatically heal us,” she said.

In recent years, Von Dreien has become a leading light of the Swiss New Age scene and a highly lucrative brand. The Swiss media frequently refer to her as an “esoteric star.” On her website, she describes herself as being “blessed with a multidimensional awareness and other paranormal abilities.”