Please do not call yourself a Healer
Written by Rev. Jessica Rochester D.Div.
Based on numerous questions that have arisen in various setting over the years, I share the following thoughts on why people should not call themselves healers or shamans. This short paper is a resume of three posts I made on LinkedIn in the Autumn of 2023.
Health professionals know that physical healing is something that happens within the individual under the command of each person's physiology. In the event of illness, health professionals use skills, training and science to create the best opportunity for this innate, inner ability to restore health.
Health and spiritual professionals, this includes heritage and contemporary practitioners, know that psychological and spiritual healing is complex and usually requires a multi- disciplinary approach.
The healing lies within, the practitioners provide the space, skills and tools to help people find and develop their inner wisdom, courage and faith in themselves to create authenticity, health and wholeness in everyday life.
When people call themselves healers the focus is on themselves, that they hold the healing power, rather than the individual. This is problematic on so many levels.
There is a trend, increasing so, for people to self-acclaim status as healers or shamans. This can in part be attributed to New Age postmodern individualized spirituality, rejection of religions, and romanticizing and/or appropriation of aspects of other heritage traditions, including Indigenous wisdom and traditions.
In heritage traditions, people become known as curanderas (healers/shamans) based on their apprenticeship, who they trained with, an acknowledgment within their own community and the evidence of their efforts. The community and the elders hold them accountable in their practices.
To answer the question from podcast host Susan Gunner as to why people are self-acclaiming more now than ever, I share the following.
Therapist /guide/ facilitator vulnerabilities are the main issue. Unfulfilled spiritual longings and personal desires can override common sense, as well as ethical boundaries, and individuals can enter into practices without the essential training, peer
support and community oversight needed to work in Non Ordinary States of Consciousness (NOSC).
Having a vision, especially one precipitated by NOSC, and more particularly one obtained through use of entheogens or psychedelics, about a potential capability or practice to help others is terrific, but needs to be grounded in reality.
Unfulfilled longings and desires may be conscious, but are usually unconscious. Kylea Taylor covers this beautifully in her book The Ethics of Caring. I cover similar territory in my books Ayahuasca Awakening, A Guide to Self-Discovery, Self-Mastery and Self-Care, Volume One and Two.
And why is this happening more so now?
Some views in modern culture tell us we can do anything and be anything we want. There is a grain of truth in this, but without actually doing the work, training, education, and having the credentialing, peer review , ethics and support that is necessary, it can be a tricky new age illusion that appeals to unconscious longings and desires and holds the potential for harm.
The self-proclaimed are often solo practitioners, a risk within itself. In heritage community traditions and legitimate practices there is greater accountability, in part based on apprenticeship and mentoring. Education, credentialing, ethics, accountability, colleague and community support are needed to keep balanced, responsible practices.
Another factor in self-appointing is what Stan Grof would call a poorly integrated first or fourth matrix experience, such as: a sense of cosmic consciousness, oneness with all things, connecting with divinity realms and/or astral beings. He means that rather than the take-away being wonder and humility, the ego becomes inflated, a narcissistic bubble is created or expanded, and a sense of superiority or knowing it all is in operation. When this happens people feel that they are “above” needing training or supervision.
Another question was asked: what about the predators, those who knowingly choose situations to exploit the hopeful and the vulnerable.
Sadly, people with these traits have always existed and can be found in every setting world-wide: opportunists who seize what they want without care of consequences.
Even more sad, a large part of the problem is the victims not reporting the issues. On the one hand we all understand not wanting the media, the notoriety. On the other, this allows people to continue nefarious practices.
We need to be willing to speak up about ethics and do our part to support education, accountability and safety. I encourage victims to speak up, and support the best way to report/manage these issues.
To those who seek:
- Be mindful of where you choose to visit and with whom you choose to participate;
- Assure yourself of the authenticity, legality and accountability of any event you choose to attend;
- Inform yourself of the principles and practices of any group or centre before attending any events, including abroad, where you do not know the culture or language;
- Inform yourself of exactly what you will be served and any contra-indications;
- Ensure that you are well-informed and prepared as to effects and risks;
- Beware of anyone who solicits you or promotes themselves or events;
- Ensure that there are always responsible, accountable people present and that you are not alone during any event or interaction, especially when in a NOSC.
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