Opening: Why I’m Writing This
I wish to offer a clear, grounded understanding of shamanic healing, gently encouraging curiosity and moving away from mystical vagueness. In this article, I’ll cover what shamanic healing is (and isn’t), what typically happens in a session, who it may benefit, and what to expect afterwards.
The Short Answer
Shamanic healing is a spiritual practice working with energy, spirit, and the hidden to foster healing, clarity, and reconnection. It is a deep, ancient practice that has been adapted for modern life. This process can bring new understandings and memories, and every healing session is unique. There is no fixed script. Throughout our work together, your emotional and physical safety are prioritised: I seek to create a calm, safe space, always confirm your consent, and work transparently so you know what to expect.
This work can complement therapy, counselling, or medical treatment, but is not a replacement for any of these. Discussing your experience with practitioners of other modalities may be helpful.
“You can go to a shaman as a sceptic; you can come away a sceptic too; nevertheless, if the healing you encounter is gripping, if it engulfs you in sound and touch and imagery and implicitly signals that you are being healed, we should still expect it to be soothing.”
What It Isn’t (Common Misconceptions)
Shamanic healing isn’t a quick solution; it is part of a longer journey. It does not ignore difficulties or pretend that nothing needs attention. Sessions are collaborative and led by your consent. This is a spiritual, not religious, practice, and I work respectfully with all spirits.
This work may not be suitable for everyone. I do not offer shamanic healing sessions where there is a current history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or where someone is taking antipsychotic medication, unless this has been discussed carefully and appropriate support is in place. If you are unsure, please get in touch before booking and consider speaking with an appropriate healthcare professional. I would also recommend not drinking alcohol for at least 3 days prior to a session taking place.
Who It’s For (And When It Might Help)
A healing session can be very helpful for:
- People recovering from burnout or shutdown (especially autistic/neurodivergent)
- People reconnecting with spirituality or something bigger than themselves
- People carrying ancestral or generational weight
- People dealing with stuck energy, grief, or “something I can’t name”
- People who’ve tried other things but haven’t quite landed.
If you see yourself here, you might be curious about what a session involves.
What to Expect in a Session
Healing sessions generally follow a sequence:
- We begin by discussing how you are feeling and anything you may be carrying.
- After discussing how you’re feeling, I’ll outline the process and explain each step. Techniques such as light touch, drumming, or placing stones nearby may be used, always with your consent. During healing, you might notice various sensations or images.
- Depending on your needs, your session might include practices such as soul retrieval (recovering lost vitality or parts of yourself), extraction (removing unhelpful energies), or guided spirit journeys. I’ll always explain these processes and get your consent before we begin. If you’d like to learn more about these techniques, I’m glad to offer further information or resources.
- I ensure we create a safe space by confirming your consent and defining boundaries. I open the directions (honouring East, South, West, North) to create a protected space for your healing.
- Depending on your experience, I will either journey on your behalf or guide you through a journey.
- You are then invited to visualise a place where you feel completely safe.
- I will check regularly to see if you are comfortable, and if you want to stop at any point, tell me.
- Afterwards, we discuss your experience, its meaning, and the likely next steps.
- Finally, I close the directions and complete the healing container to mark the end of the session.
What to expect after a session
- Immediately afterwards, you may feel a little lightheaded.
- Take some time to return to daily life gently; self-care activities such as journaling, walking in nature, listening to calming music, or simply resting can help. Choose what feels nurturing to you.
- Allow a few days for integrating what you have experienced into your being.
- Notice any movements in dreams, energy or patterns.
- Consider arranging for support after your session if you think you might need it.
- If you need any support afterwards, get in touch, and we can talk it through.
- Healing isn’t a linear process – for some, this is the start of a journey. For others, it’s a step in their journey.
- There isn’t a right or wrong way to heal – everything is valid.
- A few days after your session, I’ll check in to see how you’re integrating the experience. A few days after your session, I’ll usually check in by email to see how you’re integrating the experience. If something needs clarifying, we can discuss an appropriate next step. This is not crisis support.
- If you feel unsettled, have questions, or would like extra guidance, I am here to help you process and integrate your experience.
If you’re curious, book a free 15-minute call – informal, relaxed, and pressure-free – to ask questions, share concerns, and get clarity about the process. Sessions are available in-person, typically last 90 minutes, and can be customised to your needs. For pricing and booking, please see the links below.