Trauma Healing through a Shamanic Lens with Ricardo Assis Rosa

Hosted by Rosemary Davies-Janes.

Produced by J’aime Rothbard.   

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In this interview, Ricardo explains how he interweaves various therapeutic modalities; Buddhism, Compassionate Inquiry®, Somatic and Shamanic practices, to support unique transformative journeys where healing can transcend the ordinary and touch the soul. Within his multifaceted approach, he recognizes Compassionate inquiry® as a powerful tool that invites clients to safely explore their traumas. Ricardo notes that many find resolution through this process alone, foregoing other experiences, such as shamanic ceremonies and somatic explorations. 

His holistic approach creates a tapestry that nurtures the body, mind, soul and spirit. To that end, he also uses a Medicine Wheel framework and its five archetypes and elements to guide clients through different phases of healing: Awaken to your deepest truths with the serpent; reclaim your power with the jaguar; celebrate your unique gifts with the hummingbird; and take flight on your personal journey with the eagle and condor. 

Ricardo's unique multifaceted one-on-one guidance offers access to ceremonial healing, new gateways of insight, and profound experiences that provide glimpses into higher consciousness.

With his fraternal support and guidance, Ricardo’s clients can experience somatic healing through physical engagement and/or connection with nature, and access non-human wisdom through shamanic practices or plant medicine ceremonies.

Ricardo stresses the importance of commitment in the healing journey, where spiritual tourism is but another egoic distraction, as true transformation requires the surrendering of old patterns and embracing of new experiences. He also highlights the value of having a guide throughout the healing process, akin to traditional indigenous practices where community support plays a crucial role in individual healing.

Ricardo Assis Rosa, PhD, Spiritual Coach

In my practice, I blend diverse methods and traditions to help clients access compassion, healing, and integration of past experiences, fostering a life of inner freedom, purpose, joy, and love. I work with both individuals and groups, focusing on trauma healing, personal develop- ment, and transformational life coaching.

As a certified Compassionate Inquiry practitioner, shamanic practitioner, and ceremonial guide, I draw on foundations in Tibetan Buddhism, Andean, and Amazonian traditions. These teachings, along with meditation practices, offer a path to emotional clarity, inner freedom, and joyful presence.

Through individual and group retreats, I create spaces for deep exploration and embodied practice, allowing people to break through barriers and patterns that limit their potential.

I’m a father of two and reside in Oxfordshire, UK. Originally from South Africa and raised in Sintra, Portugal, I've called the UK home for over 24 years, and enjoy a life enriched by global experiences.

Resources:

Websites Professional WebsiteCompassionate Inquiry Profile

Books The Way of the ShamanThe Mahāmudrā. Fifty Stanzas of Guru-DevotionThe Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic CultureThe Way of the Conscious WarriorThe Great SealAyahuasca: Soul Medicine of the Amazon Jungle SomawiseThe Power of NowCrazy WisdomWisdom Wheel: A Mythic Journey through the Four Directions

Podcasts Featuring Ricardo Oxford University Psychedelic SocietyOn The Verge, Shamanism - Part 1On The Verge, Principles of Consciousness - Part 2On The Verge, Conversations… -  Part 3

Recommended Podcasts Emerald Podcast by Joshua SchreiAwakening From the Meaning Crisis

Quotes: “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” – Buddha

“You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.” – Buddha

“When the energy of the heart is awakened, then the mind will naturally become clear and at ease.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

"If we experience our power of awareness, feel something to be conscious right here and now, know that there is something between and behind the thoughts that perceives and understands, then everything is free play and a gift." – Lama Ole Nydahl

“The shamanic journey is a timeless gateway to the spirit world. It is where we meet the voices of the earth, ancestors, and the invisible forces that influence our lives.” – Michael Harner

“Shamanism, when done properly, is an invitation to step into a world that is very much alive, a world that is fully engaged in the rhythms of the universe, where spirit and nature exist as one.” – Sandra Ingerman

“The shamanic path leads us to direct experiences with the world of spirit, and teaches us how to navigate between realms in ways that promote healing, understanding, and empowerment.” – Robert Moss

"Trauma is not what happens to you, it's what happens inside you as a result of what happened to you." – Gabor Maté

"Whether we realize it or not, it is our woundedness, or how we cope with it, that dictates much of our behavior, shapes our social habits, and informs our ways of thinking about the world." – Gabor Maté