In ancient times and in traditional communities, those experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, anger, and altered states would go to a folk/cultural/shamanic healer. Even today, healers in traditional societies often incorporate a number of tools including ritual, ceremony, plant medicine, drumming, chant, and movement therapy. Western approaches to healing mental illness rely predominantly on psychopharmaceuticals and talk therapy, but for many, relief is not found and they are left in a state of dis-ease. Through traditional approaches to wellness we can offer individuals additional tools in their emotional toolbox to help create a life of stability and joy. Plant spirit healing is just one of these “adjunct” approaches that can greatly enrich the quality of life for individuals living in chaotic times.
We need to rethink the medical model approach which has removed cultural and spiritual components of the healing process. As we have “advanced” we have moved further and further away from a model that honors these essential expressions of the human experience instead choosing to adopt a fractured system where mental health professionals treat symptoms not individuals. This course addresses the role of the body as a healing tool for trauma and other forms of emotional/mental dis-ease. Using the somatic framework of the five senses we will look to incorporate the healing power of the green nations into a useful and approachable framework for embodied healing. Additionally, I am honored to be co-teaching this course with two compassionate and gifted healers/friends who will be offering special sections on Flower Essences for Grief and Loss and Herbal Approaches to Sexual Trauma.