Shamanic Healing
Sometimes, the things shaping our lives are the hardest things to see.
We can find ourselves repeating familiar patterns, feeling stuck in the same difficulties, or struggling to understand why something continues to affect us, even when we think we've dealt with it.
Therapeutic Shamanism brings shamanic practice and psychotherapy together, recognising that our difficulties can have both psychological and shamanic dimensions.
It offers a way to explore our experiences with honesty, curiosity and compassion, bringing what has been hidden into awareness and helping us see more clearly what's shaping our lives. Through shamanic journeying and the therapeutic exploration that follows, we can begin to understand what we encounter and consider what it might mean for how we live.
The word shaman is often understood to mean one who sees in the dark. For me, this captures something fundamental about shamanic healing: the willingness to look honestly at what is there, including what we might prefer not to see.
We all tell ourselves stories about who we are, why things happen, and how the world works. Some help us grow and live well. Others keep us stuck, shape our choices without us realising, or protect us from things we find difficult to face.
This work isn't about judging ourselves or replacing one story with another. It's about learning to recognise the stories we're living by, becoming curious about what lies beneath them, and discerning whether they help us flourish or hold us back.
Through shamanic journeying and therapeutic exploration, we can begin to see these patterns more clearly. The aim isn't for me to tell you what your experience means, but to help you explore what emerges and develop your own understanding.
How the work unfolds
The journey
Shamanic journeying is at the heart of this work. I journey by following the lead of my shamanic guides, witnessing and recording what unfolds, not directing the experience towards a particular outcome. The journey is part of the healing work itself, not just a way of gathering material to talk about afterwards.
Making sense of what emerges
The journey is followed by a conversation in which we explore what stood out, what it might mean to you, and how it relates to your life. I won't tell you what your experience means or ask you to accept my interpretation. Instead, I'll help you look more closely, notice your own responses and develop your understanding.
Bringing it into everyday life
Insight matters most when it can make a difference to how we live. We consider what the experience might invite you to recognise, question or approach differently, and what may need further attention. There is no predetermined answer or formula; the work follows what emerges and what is meaningful for you.
Is this work right for you?
Shamanic healing may be helpful if you feel stuck in recurring patterns, are struggling with something you don't fully understand, or want to explore an experience that continues to affect you.
This work asks for a willingness to look honestly at yourself, including aspects of your experience that may be uncomfortable. It isn't about being told what to think or believe, and you don't need any previous experience of shamanism.
I work with care and respect for your own understanding and experience. I don't promise particular outcomes, and shamanic healing isn't a substitute for medical or mental health care.
Shamanic healing sessions
2 hours - £90
Sessions take place in person in Wakefield. Remote sessions, including by video, are also be available by arrangement.
After your session, I'll provide a written account of the journey, together with observations and suggestions for further reflection.
You don't need to commit to a course of sessions. Sometimes one session is useful in itself; often further exploration and integration may be helpful.
Start with a conversation
I offer a free 30-minute consultation so we can discuss what brings you to the work, answer your questions and decide whether it feels like a good fit.