How Does Shamanism Fit in with Western Psychology and Medicine?
Two of the four mental health professionals who guided me in my career path do shamanic healing, while the third has hosted shamans at his retreat facility.
“Jung realized that in spite of their apparent differences, both shamanism and analytical psychology focused on the healing and growth (individuation) of the psyche. Inspired by this work, some therapists have continued exploring shamanism in order to enhance and perhaps even redefine the ways they treat patients.”
Donald F. Sandler and Steven H. Wong, “The Sacred Heritage: The Influence of Shamanism on Analytical Psychology”
Here’s a partial list of books by shamanic practitioners and scholars who have conventional Western psychological or medical training:
- Robert Alcorn, M.D., psychiatrist, author of “Healing Stories: My Journey from Mainstream Psychiatry toward Spiritual Healing”
- Howard Brockman, LCSW, “Dynamic Energy Healing”
- Cecile Carson, M.D., and the Society for Shamanic Practitioners: “Spirited Medicine: Shamanism in Contemporary Healthcare”
- Jeannett M. Gagan, Phd, psychologist, author of “Journeying: Where Shamanism and Psychology Meet”
- Carl Greer, PhD, PsyD, psychologist, author of “Change Your Story, Change Your Life: Using Shamanic and Jungian tools to Achieve Personal Transformation”
- Sandra Ingerman, psychotherapist, author of several books
- Christa MacKinnon, psychologist, author of “Shamanism and Spirituality in Therapeutic Practice”
- Lewis Mehl-Madrona, M.D., professor of clinical psychology and author of several books, including “Remapping Your Mind: the Neuroscience of Self-Transformation through Story”
- Sharon Mijares, PhD, author of “Modern Psychology and Ancient Wisdom: Psychological Healing Practices from the World’s Religious Traditions”
- Arnold Mindell, PhD, psychologist, author of 20+ books (including “The Shaman’s Body: a New Shamanism for Transforming Health, Relationships, and the Community”), developer of “process oriented psychology”
- Llyn Roberts, psychotherapist, author of several books, including “Shapeshifting into Higher Consciousness”
- Michael Samuels, M.D., cancer specialist, co-author of “Shaman Wisdom, Shaman Healing”
- Donald F. Sandler, psychiatrist, and Steven H. Wong, psychotherapist, “The Sacred Heritage: The Influence of Shamanism on Analytical Psychology”
- Oscar Miro-Quesada Solevo, M.A., clinical psychologist, author of “Lessons in Courage: Peruvian Shamanic Wisdom for Everyday Life”
- Jose Luis Stevens, psychotherapist, author/co-author of ten books on shamansi, metaphysical teachings, and spiritual practice
- Edward Tick, PhD, psychotherapist, author of “Warrior’s Return: Restoring the Soul After War”
- Alberto Villoldo, PhD, psychologist, author of several books (including “Power Up Your Brain,” co-authored with Dr
- David Perlmutter, a board-certified neurologist)
- Roger Walsh, M.D., Ph.D., (U. of California professor of psychiatry, philosophy, and anthropology), author of “The World of Shamanism”
Other resources
“Could Shamanic Healing be the Answer You’ve Been Looking for?” by Laura Eraser, Prevention Magazine
http://www.prevention.com/mind-body/emotional-health/how-shamanic-healing-works
Foundation for Shamanic Studies
www.shamanism.org
Mary “Tyrtle” Rooker
www.shamanicspring.com