SHAMANIC TECHNIQUES: THEIR USE AND EFFECTIVENESS IN THE PRACTICE OF PSYCHOTHERAPY Nona J. T. Bock A Research Paper Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Master of Science Degree With a Major in Mental Health Counseling Approved: 2 Semester Credits The Graduate School University of Wisconsin-Stout November, 2005 The Graduate School University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI Author: Bock, Nona. J. T. Title: Shamanic Techniques: Their Use and Effectiveness in the Practice of Psychotherapy Graduate DegreeMajor: MS Mental Health Counseling Research Adviser: Robert E. Salt, Ph.D. MonthNear: November, 2005 Number of Pages: 152 Style Manual Used: American Psychological Association, 5thedition ABSTRACT Through this research project the perspectives of 64 licensed (mental and physical health providers) and non-licensed practitioners who utilize shamanic techniques within their practices were examined with the intent to gain further knowledge and understanding in regards to the use and effectiveness of shamanic techniques within the practice of psychotherapy. A review of the literature reveals that the ancient practice of shamanism despite the transitions in societal structures continues to be utilized throughout the world. A number of individuals living within the United States have chosen to study and practice core shamanic techniques developed within the past few decades. As the interest in alternative healthcare in the West continues to grow, so has the use of folk remedies, such as shamanism. Yet, even though the utilization of spiritual practices has been demonstrated to have positive effects on health by the scientific community, the spiritual realm by its nature continues to be difficult to define and quantify, generating controversy. The results of this study suggest that shamanic techniques may indeed offer an effective means to dealing with a number of mental, physical, and spiritual concerns with certain individuals in a relatively short period of time. The Graduate School University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI Acknowledgements This project would not have been possible without the support of my instructors, colleagues, husband, family, and friends. I am particularly grateful to my advisor, Dr. Bob Salt, for his ongoing open and compassionate direction. He provided the structure to help me move forward with this project at every step of the process, offering his knowledge, guidance, thoughtful feedback, and respectful encouragement. I would also like to extend special thanks to each of the professors, both at the University of Wisconsin -Stout and at Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center, who have helped me grow over the past two years and complete my program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Health Psychology. Gary Rockwood, Stephen Shumate, Richard Tafalla, Charles Barnard, Tem Karis, Dale Hawley, Donald Baughman, Susie Eberhard, Scott Orme, Julia Champe, and Jeanne Achterberg, your teachings and presence will not be forgotten. Each of you has been uniquely inspiring and supportive. I also offer a sincere thank you to each of my internship site supervisors, Kathy Beltrami and Wendy Limber, who so graciously extended themselves to me and offered their invaluable experience and guidance. In addition, I want to thank the therapists and therapist trainees as well as the other employees at each of the sites for their insightful presence. I want to thank Lucia d'Ancona and Mary Anne Seymour who both so graciously offered their computer knowledge, discernment, and friendship during the electronic survey creation process. My greatest heartfelt thank you is extended to my husband, Jeff Bock. This project would not have been possible without your ongoing multifaceted support. I also offer a sincere thank you to my mother and father as well as other family members who so patiently listened to me during the creation of this project. The foundation which all of you have offered me has not only sustained me during this process, but is something I will carry with me. I also offer a big thank you to each of the individuals who chose to take part in this study. Without you this project could not have been realized. It is my hope that the information acquired in this study will not only help in my personal growth, but the growth of others as well. TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................... Page ABSTRACT----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------'1 .. Acknowledgements .......................................................................... 111 Chapter 1: Introduction ....................................................................................... 1 Statement of the Problem............................................................................ 1 Purpose of the Study................................................................................. 2 Assumptions of the Study............................................................................ 2 DeJinitions of Terms ................................................................................. 3 Methodology.......................................................................................... 3 Chapter 11: Literature Review-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Shamanism: Its Definition and History------...................................................... 4 Shamanism as a Religion ............................................................................ 6 Shamanism as a Psychological Phenomenon .................................................... 8 The Shaman.* Their Call and Practice ........................................................... 10 The Practice......................................................................................... 14 Western Psycho~ogy:Its Evolution............................................................... 20 Aspects of Shamanism in Psychotherapy----------------------.................................. 27 Jungian Analytic ~sycho~ogy...................................................................... 28 trans persona^ Psycho~ogy........................................................................ 29 Altered States of Consciousness--------------- ---- ............................................... 29 Imagery ............................................................................................... 3 2 Current Day Use of Shamanic Practices ........................................................ 3 3 Taking DiversiJication, Perspectives on Health and Ethical Issues into Account---------39 Cultural DiversiJication----------------------------------------------------------------------------3 9 Perspectives on Health............................................................................. 42 Transpersonal Psychological Ethical Issues .................................................... 43 Summary---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------44 Chapter 111: Methodology................................................................................... 46 Subject Selection andDescription---------------------------------------------------------------- 46 Instrumentation------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 47 Data Collection Procedures ....................................................................... 48 Data Analysis ........................................................................................ 4 9 Limitations ........................................................................................... 50 Conclusions----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------113 Recommandations................................................................................. 124 References................................................................................................... 126 Appendix A: Announcement Placed in the Society for Shamanic Practitioners Newsletter----- 135 Appendix B: Informed Consent Letter and Questionnaire-------------------------------------------136 Appendix C: Initial Email Request Sent March 13, 2005 ----- ------- ----- - .......................... 15 1 vii Appendix D: Second Email Request Sent April 16, 2005---------------------------------------------152 Chapter I: Introduction As our society has changed and evolved, so has the knowledge of the study and practice of shamanism. Research such as that done in the realms of altered states of consciousness and the role of spirituality in health has helped to bring subjects once thought of as strictly spiritual into the scientific realm. Today with greater diversification of our population and increased interest in alternative health care, which takes into account the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), the essential importance of exploring practices such as shamanism in regards to its use and effectiveness becomes apparent. As core shamanic techniques are currently being offered to individuals within the United States, many questions arise. For example, are these practices being integrated with conventional psychotherapy? If so, who is doing so and how? What are their views of the relationship between psychotherapy and shamanism? By continuing the exploration into the evolutionary use of shamanism in today's culture within the United States, some insight