What It Means to Be a Healer (Spoiler: You Already Are)

There’s so much I want to say and to be honest, this is going to be a bit of a rant.

1. What Is a Healer?

If one person helps another, they’re a healer. That’s it.

If you have a medical license, congratulations—you’re a healer (and I bet your grandparents are proud).

If you’re a teacher who genuinely cares about your students' development and well-being (because let’s face it, not everyone does), congratulations—you’re a healer.

If your best friend just got dumped by that walking red flag you’ve hated since day one but kept quiet about, and you’re there to console her until she realizes everything you’ve been dying to say—guess what? You’re a healer.

(I’ve been that best friend more times than I can count.)

This concept comes courtesy of the ultimate power couple: Patch Adams and Susan Parenti. They’ve spent their lives bringing joy and laughter to this planet while advocating for one simple truth: you don’t need fancy degrees or certifications to be a healer. You just need to care about people. That’s it. Easy as pie.

2. Healers Need Healing Too

When I was studying shamanism, there were moments—many moments—when I broke down crying. Once, I was overwhelmed by the feeling that I couldn’t be a healer because I felt broken myself. I remember asking, Why would anyone want healing from someone who’s broken?

My teacher’s response was more eloquent than this, but the gist of it was: That’s BS.

Just because you’re healing doesn’t mean you can’t heal others.

Think about it: if you recognize that you need healing, are you truly broken? Acknowledging that you want to improve is the first step on your road to recovery. Ebeneezer Scrooge didn’t say, “Huh, maybe I’m being too harsh on Bob Cratchit.” The Grinch didn’t sit on his mountain meditating about his Christmas hate.

Healing yourself and helping others can go hand in hand.

3. You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Let’s talk about the “chosen one” complex. This Westernized, melodramatic belief that we must sacrifice ourselves for the greater good is exhausting.

Is Christianity to blame for the “be like Jesus, sacrifice yourself” narrative? Or is it Harry Potter? Either way, we’ve been teaching people that being “good” means putting others first, always. My parents were taught that. I was taught that.

And it’s everywhere, big and small. In the Midwest, two cars at a four-way stop will wave each other on until it’s the year 2026. On a larger scale, there’s the teacher who refuses to call in a substitute because she thinks her classroom will fall apart without her. (Been there—although I never nailed the teacher outfit vibe.)

But here’s the truth: you’re allowed to ask for help. Call in the sub. Lean on your friends. Seek a therapist or alternative healthcare professional. Take care of yourself.

4. You’re Never Done

One of my college professors once said, “You never stop learning, even after you graduate.” That stuck with me.

In shamanism, we often work with the medicine wheel. It represents the idea that we carry our stories, identities, and traumas around the four spokes of the wheel. When we reach the fourth spoke, we integrate the lessons we’ve learned—and then we start all over again.

If you’ve worked with me, or plan to, it’s important to know: healing isn’t one-and-done. I’m not a surgeon removing a mole. You’re welcome to come back as often as you need.

Here’s what a typical client journey with me looks like:

1. Intake Interview: We get to know each other and identify what brings you in.

2. Chakra Balancing: You lie on the table (or a yoga mat). We assess which chakras need work and clear out negative energy using prayers, smoke, fans, and spirit water.

3. Letting Go of Trauma: I journey to your chamber of wounds to help release old pain you’re still holding onto.

4. Rewriting Your Contract: We review the agreements you’ve made with yourself or the universe and decide if they need rewriting.

5. Soul Gifts: You’ll receive a gift or message to support your journey. Sometimes, a soul part that was cast away in the past will return to you.

6. Beloved Illumination: We end by bringing light to the areas we’ve worked on, ensuring you leave feeling refreshed and sparkly clean.

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We can repeat this process as often as you need. Over time, some clients become interested in joining a community. That’s when I introduce them to social therapy groups—a space where we grow, learn, and heal together.

Are you ready for this journey? Do you know someone who might be? Reach out.

Please rest during this holiday season. Take time to release the bad, and express gratitude for the good. Goodbye 2024 and hello 2025!