GENERAL INFORMATION

Integrative Shamanic Therapy or IST is an alternative healing modality, that combines elements of depth psychology, transpersonal psychology, shamanism, and mindfulness.

Integrative Shamanic Therapy is not a substitute for medical, psychological or psychiatric diagnosis and/or treatment as provided by a medical doctor, a licensed mental health practitioner, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist.  Individuals interested in participating in IST session(s) are invited to verify with their primary health care provider that IST session(s) is compatible with their current medical and psychological conditions.

IST session(s) might involve dialogue and counselling, movement and breathing exercises, guided meditations, with or without listening to repetitive drumming and/or music.

Integrative Shamanic Therapy aims at creating a container that is suitable for the safe exploration and processing of one’s internal reality, and therefore, at supporting the creation of insights related to personal, psychological and/or spiritual life.

Integrative Shamanic Therapy benefits might include: Healing of past traumatic experiences and reconnection with life/soul energy; reduction of psychological suffering, including symptoms such as depression or anxiety; greater clarity about vocation and life’s path; help with navigating life’s transitions and moving through loss, bereavement and grief; resolving intrapersonal and interpersonal conflicts; releasing emotional, energetic, transgenerational, and/or karmic blockages; integrating the meaning of spiritual, mystical, and non-ordinary experiences into everyday life.

Integrative Shamanic Therapy risks might include the experience of transient physical, emotional and/or psychological discomfort related to the emergence of ancient memories, to the release of intense emotions or to the triggering of energetic blockages or psychological resistances. 

During Integrative Shamanic Session(s), the facilitator is available to help reduce discomfort and move through intense or uncomfortable experiences.

Participation in any activity offered during IST session(s) is always voluntary and withdrawing from any activity at any time is always possible.  Clients are responsible for choosing to explore or not to explore the material and/or the emotions that might emerge during IST session(s). 

Before their first IST session, clients are required to read, understand and sign the Informed Consent Form. By signing the Informed Consent Form you declare that you understand and accept the following:

1- You agree to participate in Integrative Shamanic Therapy sessions, facilitated by Bernard Becker, M. A., remotely on Skype or in person.

2- You understand that transient physical, emotional and/or psychological discomfort may result from your participation into the activities of your session(s) and that the facilitator is available for you to discuss the ways of minimizing and alleviating your discomfort.

3- You recognize that your participation in your session(s) is voluntary and you understand that you can withdraw from any activity offered during your session(s) at any time.

4- You understand that Integrative Shamanic Therapy is not a substitute for medical, psychological or psychiatric diagnosis and/or treatment, and that you are responsible for verifying with your primary health care provider that participating into Integrative Shamanic Therapy session(s) is compatible with your current medical and psychological conditions.

5- Except in the case of gross negligence or malpractice, you or your representative(s) agree to fully release and hold harmless Bernard Becker from and against any and all claims or liability of whatsoever kind or nature arising out of or in connection with your session(s).

6- You acknowledge that you have received sufficient information about the practices of Integrative Shamanic Therapy, and that you understand how you could benefit from this work.

Code of Ethics

As a member of the Energy Medicine Professional Association (EMPA), I, Bernard Becker, agree and commit to abide by and uphold by the EMPA Code of Ethics (https://empa.wildapricot.org/Code-of-Ethics).

EMPA Code of Ethics

1: Work within my Scope of Practice

I will use my modalities within the scope of my training, experience, current licensing and credentialing. I will accurately represent myself to the public in accordance with my credentials. If the needs of a client are beyond my abilities, I will refer the client to a competent professional for care. I agree to practice within the guidelines of this Code of Ethics.

2: Provide Respectful Care

I pledge to treat clients with respect, courtesy, care and consideration. I respect the client’s individuality, beliefs, inherent worth, and dignity. I commit to provide a comfortable and safe environment for clients. I respect the client’s right to be involved in their treatment, and I commit to empower clients to give feedback and alter or discontinue a session at any time. I practice equality and acceptance, and work in partnership with clients to promote healing regardless of race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, politics, social status, spiritual practice or health condition. The client’s inner process, spiritual practices and pacing of healing are respected and supported.

3: Commit to Accurate Disclosure and Education

I will inform the client of my educational and experiential background in any related credentials that I hold on an individualized basis, and consider the client’s expressed needs and personal situations. I will also provide an explanation of the treatment process to the level of the client’s understanding, and clearly and accurately inform the client of the nature and terms of the service before beginning any treatment.

4: Commit to Obtaining Informed Consent

I recognize the client’s right to determine what happens to his or her body. I will fully inform clients of choices relating to their care, and disclose policies and limitations that may affect their care to assist clients in making informed decisions. I will not provide service without obtaining the client’s signed informed consent (or that of the guardian or advocate for the client) to the session plan.

5: Protect Confidentiality

I affirm that I will protect client confidentiality at all times, will keep all client records in a secure and private place in accordance with state and federal regulations, and will only disclose information with the client’s written consent, within the limits of the law. I will document client health information and treatment findings appropriately according to my training and the setting. Information will be shared only with client’s written permission.

6: Maintain Legal Compliance

I agree that I am responsible to understand and comply with local, state/province and federal laws and regulations where I practice. I understand that I am expected to understand any legal restrictions or requirements with regard to any professional license or credential that I hold and to work within my scope of practice and to comply accordingly. I will maintain the appropriate business licenses according to my local and state/province requirements.

7: Commit to Professionalism

I commit to maintain high standards of professionalism and integrity, and to serve the best interests of clients at all times. I will maintain and respect professional boundaries with clients at all times. I pledge to respect colleagues in my modality and other modalities and to model professional courtesy in my behavior and business practices. I will promote the Energy Medicine profession by committing to continuously improve my skills through education and practice.