Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D., is a psychologist, medical anthropologist and author who has studied the healing practices of the Amazon and Andean shamans for more than 25 years. Dr. Villoldo founded The Four Winds Society, where he trains individuals in the U.S., Europe, South and Central America in the practice of Shamanic Energy Medicine.
CRAZYWISE had the opportunity to interview Dr. Villoldo at a lecture he gave this past April. Recently, Dr. Villoldo and Phil were also speakers during the Shades of Awakening online summit. As we listened to Dr. Villoldo speak we noticed the many parallels between Shamanic traditions and what people who have recovered from mental crises have found that helps them heal.
Dr. Villoldo spoke to us about the differences between diagnoses and treatment between western and indigenous societies. He says in Shamanic traditions one is encouraged to explore difficult emotions. When you have healed from your own pain and suffering you can transform into a ‘wounded healer’. To become completely healed is to become the healer – bringing the beauty and meaning you found into the world.
