Shamanic circles are not a substitute for medical consultation for physical, mental and psychological illnesses, but it is a powerful natural form of healing as well as a space for social connections. It is not group therapy and should not be approached as such. Shamanic Journeying involves using the drum to help participants go into a hypnotic trance state of alpha and theta brainwaves, where they can access deeper levels of their being. It creates a dynamic journey fostering a sense of wholeness and integration.

Like any form of sound work it may not be suitable for everyone as it involves repetitive beats, rattles and sometimes chanting. This can be a trigger for some forms of epilepsy and trauma. It is particularly contraindicated for those suffering from active schizophrenia, PTSD and other reality perception-altering conditions.

Contraindications: If you have had or are currently experiencing any of the following, hypnosis/ trance work is not advised within the scope of my work. 

 

• A diagnosis of a physical condition which may mean therapy sessions are a challenge to the volunteer and may trigger the condition, for example, epilepsy or seizures, high blood pressure, asthma, migraines and heart disease. 

• A clinical diagnosis or undiagnosed presentation of a clinical mental health condition such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or other psychosis, borderline personality disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder or eating disorders. 

• A diagnosis or undiagnosed presentation of depression, whether past or present, medicated or not. 

• Have a dependency on alcohol or psychoactive drugs, recreational, over counter or prescribed. 

• Is pregnant, frail or otherwise unwell. 

• Have a history or current experience of significant abuse, trauma or shows complex comorbidity with other symptoms. 

• Currently in counselling, or is under the care of a consultant, psychiatrist, mental health team, psychologist or similar professional.