SHAMANIC HEALING CONSULTATIONS
Shamanic healing can be understood through many different lenses. It can be considered a type of energy work, spiritual medicine, or mind-body healing. It is perhaps our species' oldest form of healing therapy and the fact that it survives and is in a period of revival in many parts of the world, is a testament to its efficacy and durability.
A Shaman or Shamanic Practitioner can be thought of as one who perceives reality free from the subjective cultural influences that constrain the layman. Ironically, reality is at once both consensual and objective, yet very individual and thus, highly subjective! This paradox is not an impasse to a shaman but is instead an invitation to explore things more deeply. In the shamanic world paradoxes are commonplace and accepted as parallel truths. At first glance the laws of this world and of the spiritual plane may seem to exist independently of each other. Yet upon closer examination shamans acknowledge them as elegantly interdependent.
Science, which is a relatively recent human invention, has only just begun to study the shamanic healing process and in many cases is validating 
what Shamanic Practitioners already know. Much work has been done on what is called the "Shamanic State of Consciousness" or SSC. It has been understood for some time now that the brain's electrical activity, it's "pulse," can be significantly altered through something as basic yet profound as meditation. Sound, intentional, rhythmic sound, such as the beating of a drum, the shaking of a rattle, a human voice lifted up in ritual song and prayer, even the many harmonic sounds from nature ―all have the ability to "attune" the human mind. Movement, immersing oneself in art, working with symbols, even the recollection of a powerful event can open our minds to a deeper awareness of a wider world.
In this state of attunement, consciousness changes and the perception of reality shifts along with it. Shamans enter into this state at will in order to do work on behalf of others. Where they "go" specifically while in the SSC varies by culture, but overall the cosmology, or story of the universe, has structural similarities across belief systems. Who what and how Shamanic Practitioners interact with in the places they visit also has similar patterns in most all indigenous societies. Essentially, Shamans are a "bridge" between worlds, connecting their community with spirits and phenomena that would otherwise stay hidden.
Most Shamans have spirit guides that they work with to achieve desired goals. In my personal practice, I have many different spirit guides I partner with in order to practice healing in a loving, respectful, and productive way, for the benefit of all. A common shamanic tradition is to offer the student or client needing assistance a Helping Spirit that often takes the form of a Power Animal. Some of my spirit guides take an animal or animal-like form. Others are otherworldly. Many times, human or "humanoid" spirits will act as intercessionaries during my shamanic journeys. Psychopomp, or the process of working with The Dead, is similar to what Mediums practice. Soul Retrieval, another common shamanic technique, is often indicated when a client feels they have "lost their way." Past lives sometimes influence our lives in the present in subtle and not so subtle ways. A skilled Shaman can help unravel the mystery of our soul's chosen path. Perhaps the spirit guides that I am closest to are the spirits of the Plant People that I come in contact with regularly in my work as both a Shamanic Practitioner and Clinical Herbalist.
When you come to me for a Shamanic Healing Session, either in person, over the phone, via zoom, or using text or email, after discussing things with you, we usually begin our work together with what's called a Diagnostic Journey. During this ritual of sound and discovery, I consult with my guides for insight into how best to assist you. Although there are no guarantees in any form of healing this first step of asking for and receiving help can itself be transformative. If a form of spiritual healing is appropriate, then my guides will show us the way forward. If other forms of healing are indicated, then I will be happy to refer you to a colleague or another healing arts professional who may serve you better.
The shamanic healing that I do is a service. It is performed in the spirit of love, cooperation and compassion. While I do accept payment for my services, I also understand that this type of healing is meant to be an exchange. Therefore, I seek to never turn anyone away if they are in need of spiritual healing but are currently unable to financially compensate me.
I have a sliding scale of $75 - $155/hour or per healing session, whichever is greater. Sliding scales are based on your ability to pay. The more you feel comfortable contributing, the more I am able to offer my services to those in need with less economic means.
To book an initial, free Shamanic Healing Consultation, please contact me during regular West Coast (PST) business hours, M-F.
I look forward to working with you to bring balance and beauty back into your life.
