Following ancient core shamanic principles, clients will learn to alter consciousness and navigate non-ordinary reality in order to gain wisdom from and co-create with Spirit for their highest good. 

Originated by anthropologist, teacher, author, and founder of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, Dr. Michael Harner, this spiritual method allows the shamanic counselor to work with clients one-on-one to become practitioners of divinatory shamanism for themselves. 

One of the features of Harner Shamanic Counseling™(HSC) is that the real shamanic counselors are in non-ordinary reality. These are wise teachers that the clients encounter in their shamanic journeys and who provide answers to the client's questions. The ordinary reality HSC counselors, in contrast, provide instruction, orientation, and methodological advice based upon core shamanism and shamanic journeying.

HSC is a problem-solving system for discovering one’s own spiritual power and gaining the wisdom needed to deal successfully with daily life.  

A shamanic drumming track, recording and playback devices, as well as noise canceling headphones will be provided for the first three sessions in order for clients to be able to test equipment before purchasing. 

If a client already owns items on the equipment list below, they’re welcome to bring them to the first session. It is important for a client to become proficient in using their own equipment by the end of the six sessions, so they can easily repeat the process on their own at home.

On or before session three, clients are required to bring and be familiar with operating two different/separate pieces of equipment, plus a few accessories:

1. 15-minute and 30-minute solo drumming tracks with call back

• Tracks may be purchased and downloaded from the The Foundation for Shamanic Studies website for $1.49 USD each. 
  

Headphones or Earbuds – for listening to your drum track through your player while journeying. High quality, noise canceling are recommended
  

2. Audio Player – An audio player for listening to recorded drumming through earbuds/headphonesYou may use one of these players: MP3 Player, iPad mini, Droid, cell phone or other digital player that will allow you to listen to recorded/downloaded drumming with headphones/earbuds 

• Audio Recorder with Playback – Audio recorder for recording your journeys, which you will orate aloud.
• Audio recorder is to be used simultaneously with the player
• The recorder must have playback capability with a good speaker that can be heard by two people at the same time
• Your recording system must have sufficient memory to record and save up to 3 hours of audio for all six sessions
• You may use one of the following recorders: iPad mini, Droid, cell phone or other digital recorder that allows you to record and playback
   

 Highly Recommended, But Not Mandatory:

• Plugin lapel microphone to reduce background noise and enhance the quality of your recording
• A portable external speaker system that allows two people to listen to playback of recorded journeys at the same time 

Please make sure all equipment is fully charged and ready to use. If devices are battery operated, please bring extra batteries to have on hand if needed during the session.

Do not substitute laptops for this equipment.  

If you wish to purchase any equipment prior to your first session, please speak with your shamanic counselor, Barbara Brunzell, for recommendations.

Besides your equipment, it is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers. Please make sure to also bring heavier socks to keep your feet warm while journeying.

A blanket, pillow, and yoga mat will be provided during the session, along with an eye mask, notebook and pen, but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Please note: you can also journey sitting up in a comfy chair (also provided).

Unfortunately, at this time HSC is only offered in-person at the Ottawa Integrative Health Cenrre.  We hope to offer an online version in the coming months.