he way of the shaman is based on a fundamental understanding that people are an integral part of the natural world. Every earthly form is animated by its own soul or life force. The world is made up of constantly moving energy and a shamanic practitioner can tap directly into the purest forms of this natural energy, on behalf of another person by the process of journeying.

The principal function of a shamanic practitioner is to invite the healing process - a sacred midwifery. Using voice, sound, rattles or the rhythm of the drum, archetypes arise from the unconscious, transforming the fractured psyche into a coherent whole. These tonal substances work their alchemy within the human body - annointing it with sound, allowing the process of healing to take place and creating a circle of balance. A person may decide to use shamanic work to heal a physical, emotional or spiritual trauma or it may be a time of transition in their lives when some direction is needed. On the other hand nothing may be 'wrong' but there is a deep sense of needing to connect more strongly with Spirit.

Working together in this way, it becomes clear that as individuals we are not alone emotionally or spiritually; there are others willing to travel with and support us on our path. This work is a great mental and emotional adventure in which both Deirdre and you, as a client participate.

As shamanic healing deals with the spiritual aspect of illness there is no way to predict the results that will manifest emotionally or physically. Shamanic healing does not replace the need for traditional psychological and medical treatment.

• Journeying
• Shamanic healing
• Shamanic counselling

Journeying

The shamanic practitioner moves in different states of consciousness when she journeys, experiences transcendence as she enters the unified cosmic domains of the shamanic world, and communes with Spirit in her pursuit of healing information.

Through shamanic journeying a person can be helped to transcend normal, ordinarily accepted definitions of reality, including the definition of themselves. The techniques used are simple yet powerful; they do not require faith or changes in belief. Healing happens through different types of journeys which could include working with the soul, power animals, or extraction. Deirdre will determine which type of work is appropriate for each individual client.

Shamanic healing

This is a way of becoming whole by integrating the mind, body, spirit and emotions. It has been practised by indigenous peoples the world over for at least 40,000 years. It helps people release problems or behaviour patterns that no longer serve them, to allow change and growth.

During a healing session there is plenty of time for discussion and creating a clear intention for the work. After this the client simply has to lie down comfortably relaxed and has no responsibility beyond that. Deirdre enters non-ordinary reality, undertakes the journey and upon return shares what was shown and what gifts were given to help the client in their life. It is after the session that the client takes the responsibility of working with and using this new information.

Shamanic counselling

This form of counselling, operating at the interface of shamanism and psychotherapy acknowledges a perception of the world that recognises no separation between mind and matter. This approach to life upholds the importance of personal choice, authenticity, accepting responsibility for one's actions, acknowledging human beings as unique and whole, exploring subjective experience and seeking a meaningful life through personal growth.

During a session traditional psychotherapy techniques may be used alongside shamanic journeying and work with energy. As a client your needs in regards to your entire being and within the context of your environment and circumstances will be addressed.