My heart opens in compassion whenever a parent reaches out to make a shamanic healing appointment for their adult child. It almost always indicates the child is struggling – often with addiction, an abusive relationship, or mental illness.
One of the hardest things a parent will ever have to do is to stand by and watch their child in pain when they know that assistance is available. I empathize with the parent’s concern for their son or daughter.
With an adult child, it’s very helpful to the process if the child reaches out to me directly to schedule an appointment. Taking responsibility for our healing is an important part of our spiritual path. When the child makes the phone call or sends an email to request an appointment, it shows they are willing and ready for the healing.
This is very difficult for a parent to hear because it’s natural to want to do everything possible to help your child – especially when they’re struggling. I also consult with the parent and offer information about the benefits of shamanic healing. When the child is not ready for a healing, I offer a healing session to support the parent.
In cases where the child is in immediate danger from self harm, I advise the parent to get them to a safe place. Often this means taking them to the emergency room and having them seen by a medical doctor.
My shamanic training taught me that doing healing without someone’s direct, express permission is sorcery, so my ethics and professional standards do not allow me to work on anyone without consent.
So what can a parent do if their adult child is not ready for healing?
In spiritual healing, there is a concept called “holding space” where we witness others and trust that their inner wisdom will guide them. We’re there to listen and support, but we let the individual walk their own healing path.
Heather Plett describes holding space beautifully: “It means that we are willing to walk alongside another person in whatever journey they’re on without judging them, making them feel inadequate, trying to fix them, or trying to impact the outcome. When we hold space for other people, we open our hearts, offer unconditional support, and let go of judgement and control.”
If you are in this situation, please continue to hold space for your son or daughter. Holding space is simple, but not necessarily easy. Do your best in the moment. This article by Heather Plett gives more perspective: https://heatherplett.com/2015/03/hold-space/.
It’s not uncommon for it to take two (or more) years after someone first hears about shamanism to schedule an appointment. Readiness to take responsibility for our own personal healing is key in this work. The healing aligns in amazing ways when the client has clarity and the desire to shift.
I am here for your child when they are ready. And in the meantime, please take care of yourself. A shamanic healing session can support you in holding space for your child. As we move into greater balance, our energy of centeredness ripples out to everyone around us.
This work is real, and it matters.
August 20, 2021