Shamanic Counseling

Harner Method

Harner Method Shamanic Counseling is not shamanic healing, per se, but instead consists of a series of sessions in which the client learns to become his or her own shaman for purposes of solving personal problems. In this system (developed by Michael Harner, Phd, anthropologist and shaman of more than 35 years), the client, using the shamanic journey, has the opportunity to come to know and develop a working relationship with his or her own Helping Spirits. Through this interaction with the Helping Spirits, clients overcome inhibitory fears, grow their self-confidence and acquire heartfelt wisdom. The client commonly experiences a sense of empowerment and a new-found joy in existence.

The trained Harner Method Shamanic Counselor instructs the client in reaching the Spirit realms; lends shamanic expertise by identifying classic shamanic experiences to let the client know he or she is on the path and that this path has been traveled by others before; and works in all her interactions with the client to ensure the client is empowered to make these journeys and work with the Helping Spirits independently. The shaman/counselor is a counselor of method only -- the actual "counseling" is done by the client's Helping Spirits.

Some clients find that the work they do with their Helping Spirits is all the help they need on their healing path; others find that, for them, shamanic counseling and conventional therapy work well hand in hand.

Generally, the goal of the client acquiring sufficient skills to journey independently is accomplished in about ten shamanic counseling sessions.

Paula Denham received certification in Harner Method Shamanic Counseling in 1995 from the Foundation for Shamanic Studies and offers this service to those seeking it.

Spirit Counseling

Spirit counseling is a way of learning to connect with one’s own Helping Spirits for the purposes of solving problems, addressing one's "issues", and receiving guidance in life. As in Shamanic Counseling, the Spirits one meets and with whom the client develops a relationship become the actual counselors. The practitioner, working one-on-one with the client, assists the client in finding his or her way to the Spirits and lends his/her shamanic expertise to the client’s process.

Spirit Counseling is very similar to Shamanic Counseling and is offered by Dara Harvey, Kathy Ries, Jana Din and Paula Denham.