The Shaman, in ancient communities, was the counselor for mind, body and soul.
Shamanism began 40,000 years ago when our ancestors, all over the world, discovered how to maximize mind and spirit for healing and problem solving. The Shaman used intuition and experience to develop a unique cure for each individual. Today’s remedies are geared towards the masses, using pills and technology. The shaman, as part of the healing process, integrates mind, body, and soul. Western medicine separates mind, body, and soul and encourages specialization.
During the last 25 years, many westerners have used practices developed by our ancestors. Today, various forms of Shamanism are practiced by thousands of people all over the world. Shamanism includes all beliefs and faiths. The focus is to restore power, specifically, spiritual power. In Shamanism, illness is viewed as a lack of spirit. The goal is to realize balance and harmony of mind, body and spirit with your environment. Many people have reported experiencing synchronicity or signs that validate shamanic experiences. An added benefit of shamanic counseling is the increased confidence you will have in your intuition. During a shamanic exercise you may experience insight immediately or you may have an
“ah-ha” moment when the time is right.
I have attended many workshops, healing circles, and individual counseling sessions with Shamans. Extensive research has helped integrate the different experiences. I do not call myself a Shaman or set out to use any specific techniques. I draw on all that is present (knowledge, intuition, and healing energies) to help my client. Traditional psychotherapy works on a time line while shamanic principles operate in a mystical timeless zone in which all that has ever been and all that will ever be is present. I find the best results occur when a clear intent is set, a timeless space for healing is entered, and there is processing of what has been learned. Blending ancient techniques in a traditional counseling setting, allows me to use this style. Shamanic techniques add sudden and intense shifts to traditional therapy. Traditional therapy helps internalize the explosion of healing power gained by Shamanic experiences. |
