Shamanic journeying as a psychotherapeutic practice

In the context of psychotherapy, shamanic journeying can be seen as a form of guided self-examination, just as in guided visualization or hypnotherapy, journeying helps people to tap into their subconscious, unearthing deeply rooted emotions, memories and thought patterns. Through this exploration, people can illuminate hidden aspects of themselves and their experiences, leading to increased self-awareness and personal understanding of reality.

Shamanic journeys to catharsis as a key element of many therapeutic models. Symbolic journey experiences, such as facing one's fears or meeting spiritual guides, can elicit strong emotional responses. These reactions can serve as a form of release, helping to alleviate psychological burdens and promoting emotional healing. One significant parallel between shamanic journeying and psychotherapy is its emphasis on narrative. Like narrative therapy, shamanic journeying encourages people to create and reframe their personal narratives. The symbolic language of the journey, rich in metaphors and imagery, provides a rich environment for expressing and reinterpreting personal stories. Through this creative process, individuals can make sense of their experiences, discover new perspectives, and create more inspiring narratives. By recreating a pattern of describing themselves, their behaviors, and traumatic events a person begins to aspects of a situation that they had previously overlooked.

While shamanic journeying has profound therapeutic potential, it is important to approach its integration into psychotherapy in a culturally sensitive manner. The practice is a sacred part of many local cultures, and its incorporation into Western psychotherapy is not always perfectly valid. At the same time, the local cultural traditions of shamanism and shamanic journeying are difficult for the modern urban dweller to accept.

The use of shamanic journeying in psychotherapeutic practice is a relatively recent development, primarily associated with the field of transpersonal psychology, which integrates the spiritual and transcendent aspects of human experience within modern psychology.

Trauma therapy: for example, people who have experienced severe trauma may find it difficult to access or verbalize their experiences in traditional talk therapy. Through the symbolic and experiential nature of shamanic journeying, they can find a safe and effective way to confront and process traumatic memories.

Addiction recovery: shamanic journeying has also been used in the field of addiction recovery. Treatment centers, such as the Takiwasi Center in Peru, use shamanic practices alongside Western approaches to treating substance use disorders (such as alcohol).
These journeys can provide patients with deep personal insight and transformative experiences that support their recovery process.

Personal growth and self-exploration: in session with a therapist, clients travel to confront their fears, insecurities, or subconscious beliefs. As they journey through the symbolic landscape of the subconscious mind, they gain a deeper understanding of their inner self and find new ways of dealing with personal issues.

Death and dying: shamanic journeying can be a useful tool in a hospice setting or for people with terminal illnesses. This practice can help reduce the fear of death, offer spiritual comfort, and help deal with grief and loss.

Group and family therapy: An experienced facilitator can guide the whole group on a shared journey, fostering a sense of unity and collective healing. The shared experience can deepen the sense of connection among group members and create a supportive environment for personal transformation.

The course of therapy using shamanic journeying as a technique can vary depending on the therapist's approach, the client's needs, and specific therapeutic goals.