Shamanic healing offers a profound blend of ancient wisdom and modern understanding, as Brian Anderson shares in his interview with MysticMag.
With over 25 years in counseling and psychology and two decades as a shamanic practitioner, Brian merges these worlds to create deeply transformative healing experiences. His work emphasizes listening and holding space, allowing individuals to reconnect with their authentic selves and navigate their healing journeys.
In this interview, he delves into the power of shamanic practices, the nuances of remote versus in-person healing, and the importance of integrating spiritual insights into everyday life.
What led you to combine shamanic practices with modern therapeutic techniques?
I trained in counseling and psychology over 25 years ago, and my shamanic practice naturally grew from that about 20 years ago. It’s not so much that I directly use therapeutic techniques in my work with people. Rather, it’s the knowledge I’ve gained about developmental theories, human development, and relationships that influence my approach.
By far, the most important tool—or gift—I received from my counseling and psychology training is the ability to listen. In my sessions, it’s never just about jumping straight into the shamanic work. There is always a space for people to share their story and say what they need to say. This allows for exploration and creates a space where they feel heard.
From my personal healing journey and the work I offer others, I’ve come to see that bearing witness to someone’s story is profoundly healing. My counseling training provided a strong foundation for this, enabling me to truly listen and ensure people feel heard.
Beyond listening, my training helps me understand how relationships are formed, attachment theories, and other psychological insights. But at its core, my work focuses on witnessing and holding space for people to share their stories. That act of sharing is healing in itself.
Can you describe how shamanic healing helps clients connect with their authentic selves?
From my experience as a shamanic practitioner, I believe that the healing journey is often about returning to what we already knew as children—our innate wisdom and authenticity. For me personally, shamanic healing has been a process of unlearning: letting go of societal conditioning and the limitations imposed on us, and rediscovering the gifts we came into this world with.
In shamanic practice, it’s about remembering who we truly are. I recall the opening of my shamanic training, where we sat in a circle, and it was emphasized that we are all equal, each with something unique to bring. This perspective has deeply influenced my approach to life and healing.
In shamanism, we work with spirits who see us in our authentic selves, in our true nature. Many cultures regard this as our greatest ally. The spirits invite us toward our authentic selves, but it’s up to us to choose to take those steps. It requires dedication to the process of unlearning, remembering, and embracing our true essence in order to live the life we are meant to live.
How do remote healing sessions differ from in-person experiences?
That’s a great question. In terms of the effectiveness of the work itself, there is no difference between remote and in-person sessions. However, the experience for the individual can vary, especially in how it helps them trust the process.
When people come to see me in person, I aim to create a sacred space for them. I encourage them to view the visit as a pilgrimage, a meaningful step in their healing journey. In-person sessions offer sensory experiences like drumming, singing, and the human connection that can be profoundly grounding and impactful.
For remote sessions, I invite clients to create a similar sacred space in their own environment. This could mean setting aside a quiet, dedicated area where they feel safe and comfortable. While online platforms like Zoom have made it possible to connect with people all over the world, some aspects of the experience, such as the physical presence and the full impact of drumming or rattling, can feel diminished.
I do my best to guide clients in honoring their healing journey by preparing their space and mindset, even from a distance. In-person sessions allow me to facilitate more of the experience directly, creating an environment that can be deeply immersive and supportive of their healing process.
What are some key benefits of shamanic healing for those dealing with trauma?
My first experience with shamanism was through receiving soul retrieval, which is a central shamanic method for healing trauma. In modern psychology, trauma is often described in terms of dissociation—where parts of ourselves disconnect to protect us from overwhelming experiences. In shamanism, this is understood as “soul loss,” where we lose contact with essential aspects of who we are.
This loss isn’t random; it’s an act of protection or self-love, helping us endure trauma by lessening its immediate impact. In some cases, these lost soul parts naturally return over time. However, for many, they do not. I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t experienced soul loss to some degree—it seems ingrained in our culture and experiences.
The healing process for this in shamanism is called soul retrieval. It involves journeying to reclaim those lost soul parts and returning them to where they belong. Importantly, what’s being returned isn’t the trauma itself, but the essence of the person—the part of them that was lost.
By reconnecting with their essence, individuals can feel more whole and better equipped to create the life they desire. They’re no longer fragmented by their past and can move forward with greater strength and clarity.
For me personally, experiencing soul retrieval had a profound impact. It helped me feel at home within myself after a history of trauma, and it was so transformative that it inspired me to study and practice shamanism to offer the same healing to others. At its core, soul retrieval is about reconnecting with the parts of ourselves lost to trauma, allowing for deep and lasting healing.
How do you support clients in integrating shamanic insights into their daily lives?
Integration is a crucial part of the healing process, and I see the journey as having three stages. The first begins even before the session. Once someone decides they want change—whether to heal something or transform their life—the healing process has already started. I provide preparation practices and information to help clients ready themselves for the session.
The second stage is the healing itself, which happens during our time together. However, the third stage—what happens after the session—is often the most important. It’s about how clients step back into their lives and apply the insights gained.
After the healing, I always ask the spirits, in that shamanic state of consciousness, how the person can integrate the work into their daily life. The guidance is unique to each individual and often involves practices that are enjoyable and freeing—like bringing more play, dance, or creativity into their lives. For example, when someone reconnects with a lost soul part, the integration might involve rediscovering the joy and freedom of their inner child.
Because we no longer live in traditional shamanic cultures, I feel it’s essential to offer ongoing support. After a session, emotions, memories, or questions may arise, and I remain available to guide clients through that process within my capacity. The work doesn’t end when the session does—it truly begins as they return to their life.
Ultimately, integration is a unique and personal journey. My role is to support clients in understanding and embracing this process, ensuring that the healing feels complete and empowering.
What advice would you give to someone new to shamanic healing?
If you feel a calling or a spark inside when you hear the word “shamanism,” I encourage you to listen to that inner voice. Not everyone will connect with shamanism, but if it resonates with you, it’s worth exploring.
Shamanism is deeply rooted in our ancestral heritage, and for many people, it feels less like learning something new and more like remembering something ancient within themselves. If this memory or connection is awakened in you, follow it with curiosity and openness.
Be open-hearted and open-minded as you begin your journey. See if shamanic practices resonate with you and if they bring value to your life. We’re fortunate to live in a time with so many spiritual paths to explore, so it’s important to find what feels right for you.
For me, shamanism felt like a homecoming because of its deep connection with nature and my own inner nature. If you feel that same sense of alignment or curiosity, trust it. Let it guide you, and see where the path leads.
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