My work is born of my love of Spirituality and my deep connection with Mother Earth and Her creatures. This, and a commitment to serve, is the heart of my life's work as both psychotherapist, and shamanic practitioner/teacher. While not driven by nor oriented in any specific religion, my trust and faith in Spirit is rooted in common tenets shared by many different cultures and spiritual modalities.
I received a Masters of Social Work degree with a concentration in Treatment from Denver University in 1987. Out of grad school, I became the Executive Director of the (then named)
Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Colorado for nearly two years.
Soon after beginning a private practice in 1988, I sought training in more holistic approaches to counseling, studying somatic psychology, pre/perinatal psychology, and numerous spiritual traditions, including Shamanism. Body-Centered Psychotherapy is my primary approach in counseling sessions. (See more on approach page).
My first training in Shamanism was with Angeles Arrien in 1992. I had no idea then that it would weave into a long path of becoming a Shamanic practitioner and Shamanic Teacher.
I've received certifications in Addictions Counseling, Integrative Body Psychotherapy, Reiki, EMDR, Trauma Touch Therapy, Body-Mind Vibrance Coach and Conscious Relationship Coach. Through professional and educational pursuits, I remained compelled by traditions that aligned with my core spiritual and animistic values, especially the rich world of Classic Shamanism. I completed the three-year advanced training and initiations through the Foundation of Shamanic Studies in 2013, and then completed the two-year Shamanic Teacher Training with Sandra Ingerman, 2016.
I'm grateful to be listed as a Shamanic Teacher and Practitioner on Sandra Ingerman’s Shamanicteachers.com.
Statement of Intent -
There are certain spiritual, sacred ways that I live by and that live in my heart. These ways and my faith originate from my own heritage, blended with a number of other traditions which share common basic tenets, values and spiritual beliefs I deeply respect and appreciate. Based on years of training, initiation and a profound calling, I am a practitioner and teacher of cross-cultural Shamanism. I have no interest in “playing Indian," nor do I seek to profit from Native American traditions in any way for myself. I intend to continue to learn, grow and refine my knowledge and craft for the betterment of others, my community, and the Earth. I have a deep devotion to being of service to my clients, students, my community, and to Native women and men in Colorado prisons. I'm committed to counsel, lead, teach in an ethical and respectful manner. Shamanic methods are only administered with clients' explicit request, permission and knowledge.
It's been taught in different healing modalities that an offering in sacred reciprocity is appropriate when one receives a healing from their teacher or elder, or attends circle or ceremony. I don't charge people to gather in prayer. For quarterly/seasonal celebrations. I do request an offering in sacred reciprocity. Any monetary funds received are not kept for my own benefit, but contributes to the support I provide weekly to the incarcerated Native American women in the Denver Women's prison. These donations may be in the form of supplies for handouts, educational DVD's, CD's of Native music, books, sacred herbs, medicine bags, Native foods on feast days, "treats" and/or supplies for their quarterly celebrations, etc. I humbly accept the responsibility to volunteer there and be their advocate.
Service -
I've been a volunteer at the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility (DWCF), since 2010 in different programs. In the Fall of 2016, the volunteer coordinator of the prison at the time was aware of my background and work. He asked me if I'd volunteer for the faith group called "American Indian Talking Circle." He brought me to one of their circles to introduce me to the Talking Circle, comprised of offenders from various First Peoples, Native American tribes. I let the coordinator know that I'd be honored to facilitate their circle, as long as the women were given the choice and opportunity to vet me for the role - unheard of in the prison system, especially in a max level prison. I attended for a few weeks, and they welcomed me to participate, advocate, and lead their sacred circle. I remain committed to being their volunteer
In 2019, I was asked to volunteer for the Native men at Colorado Correctional Center several times and will continue to do so. I am honored and humbly grateful to serve the Native Americans at DW, CCC and DRDC in this capacity.
DWCF also launched a new program in 2019 - called the Pro-Social Relationship program. On approval from the warden, certain offenders may be in touch with volunteers who are certified by DOC to provide spiritual and emotional support, mentoring, rides, tutoring, etc. for those released from prison. Again, an honor to be serving in these ways.
Life Lessons -
My first, profound life passage was my mother's sudden death when I was 15 years old. This was a deep soul wound.
She was the first person who really saw me. She told me that I had a gift and could see and sense things beyond the ordinary. It took me many years to understand that she was directing me to listen to my deeper calling and to follow my heart.
Through most of my time in higher education, I traversed a dark night of the soul. It was during my masters program when I hit my final bottom. The trauma and grief of losing of my Beloved mother, along with many other experiences of trauma and loss, sent me reeling into severe drug and alcohol addiction - and trouble. Naturally, hitting bottom was also when I woke up (clean and sober since 1986). It was in very early stages of recovery that I found my ground and a familiar sense of Spirit. I found authors and teachers such as Angelis Arrien, Sandra Ingerman, and many others. I rediscovered my love of ceremony and prayer, which originated in being (first generation) Sicilian, Scottish/Irish, and my Roman Catholic upbringing. Studies began in more Earth based, and more holistically, spiritually oriented teachings. Recovery and my spiritual path were really one and the same journey which cracked my heart open and repaired my soul. It seems these initiations - the deeper wounds of loss and addiction, were necessary for me to find a good way of life, a devoted way of being with Spirit, and my work as a therapist and Shamanic practitioner.
The Sacred Pipe -
All cultures engage in ritual involving the elements - fire, earth, air, water. A pipe is a sacred, living tool used in different traditions to lift our prayers to Creator.
I was passed the pipe in 1994 by a teacher, giving me a profound honor and responsibility.
This pipe was made for my teacher by her teacher, a Lakota elder with whom she apprenticed for two years. He passed her this pipe with the Lakota Sioux teachings and ways of sacred ceremony. It was an honor to attend many of her ceremonies. After years of leading ceremony, my teacher received a message in a dream that she was to either pass the pipe to me, or bury it. After careful deliberation, I accepted the responsibility and was given instruction about the pipe and the correct ways of conducting ceremony. The Lakota Sioux call their sacred pipe Chanupa. It is called by other names in other cultures. I do not "own" this Chanupa. I am simply Its keeper, carrying it for the community.
At that time, I couldn’t have known what was ahead for me as a Shamanic practitioner and ceremony leader. Through the years, I have learned beyond words what it means to be a pipe carrier. I have had the honor of sitting in the lodge and in ceremony with Ojibwe and Mayan Shamans, Lipan-Apache Maestra of Curandarismo, and Lakota and Diné (Navajo) elders, receiving their instruction and blessing. I've also been committed to my own study through ordinary and non-ordinary states of consciousness. Being a pipe carrier is not something I sought out or decided to pick up. Rather, I was asked, and it is a responsibility which I hold with humble gratitude and fierce respect.
I received a Masters of Social Work degree with a concentration in Treatment from Denver University in 1987. Out of grad school, I became the Executive Director of the (then named)
Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Colorado for nearly two years.
Soon after beginning a private practice in 1988, I sought training in more holistic approaches to counseling, studying somatic psychology, pre/perinatal psychology, and numerous spiritual traditions, including Shamanism. Body-Centered Psychotherapy is my primary approach in counseling sessions. (See more on approach page).
My first training in Shamanism was with Angeles Arrien in 1992. I had no idea then that it would weave into a long path of becoming a Shamanic practitioner and Shamanic Teacher.
I've received certifications in Addictions Counseling, Integrative Body Psychotherapy, Reiki, EMDR, Trauma Touch Therapy, Body-Mind Vibrance Coach and Conscious Relationship Coach. Through professional and educational pursuits, I remained compelled by traditions that aligned with my core spiritual and animistic values, especially the rich world of Classic Shamanism. I completed the three-year advanced training and initiations through the Foundation of Shamanic Studies in 2013, and then completed the two-year Shamanic Teacher Training with Sandra Ingerman, 2016.
I'm grateful to be listed as a Shamanic Teacher and Practitioner on Sandra Ingerman’s Shamanicteachers.com.
Statement of Intent -
There are certain spiritual, sacred ways that I live by and that live in my heart. These ways and my faith originate from my own heritage, blended with a number of other traditions which share common basic tenets, values and spiritual beliefs I deeply respect and appreciate. Based on years of training, initiation and a profound calling, I am a practitioner and teacher of cross-cultural Shamanism. I have no interest in “playing Indian," nor do I seek to profit from Native American traditions in any way for myself. I intend to continue to learn, grow and refine my knowledge and craft for the betterment of others, my community, and the Earth. I have a deep devotion to being of service to my clients, students, my community, and to Native women and men in Colorado prisons. I'm committed to counsel, lead, teach in an ethical and respectful manner. Shamanic methods are only administered with clients' explicit request, permission and knowledge.
It's been taught in different healing modalities that an offering in sacred reciprocity is appropriate when one receives a healing from their teacher or elder, or attends circle or ceremony. I don't charge people to gather in prayer. For quarterly/seasonal celebrations. I do request an offering in sacred reciprocity. Any monetary funds received are not kept for my own benefit, but contributes to the support I provide weekly to the incarcerated Native American women in the Denver Women's prison. These donations may be in the form of supplies for handouts, educational DVD's, CD's of Native music, books, sacred herbs, medicine bags, Native foods on feast days, "treats" and/or supplies for their quarterly celebrations, etc. I humbly accept the responsibility to volunteer there and be their advocate.
Service -
I've been a volunteer at the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility (DWCF), since 2010 in different programs. In the Fall of 2016, the volunteer coordinator of the prison at the time was aware of my background and work. He asked me if I'd volunteer for the faith group called "American Indian Talking Circle." He brought me to one of their circles to introduce me to the Talking Circle, comprised of offenders from various First Peoples, Native American tribes. I let the coordinator know that I'd be honored to facilitate their circle, as long as the women were given the choice and opportunity to vet me for the role - unheard of in the prison system, especially in a max level prison. I attended for a few weeks, and they welcomed me to participate, advocate, and lead their sacred circle. I remain committed to being their volunteer
In 2019, I was asked to volunteer for the Native men at Colorado Correctional Center several times and will continue to do so. I am honored and humbly grateful to serve the Native Americans at DW, CCC and DRDC in this capacity.
DWCF also launched a new program in 2019 - called the Pro-Social Relationship program. On approval from the warden, certain offenders may be in touch with volunteers who are certified by DOC to provide spiritual and emotional support, mentoring, rides, tutoring, etc. for those released from prison. Again, an honor to be serving in these ways.
Life Lessons -
My first, profound life passage was my mother's sudden death when I was 15 years old. This was a deep soul wound.
She was the first person who really saw me. She told me that I had a gift and could see and sense things beyond the ordinary. It took me many years to understand that she was directing me to listen to my deeper calling and to follow my heart.
Through most of my time in higher education, I traversed a dark night of the soul. It was during my masters program when I hit my final bottom. The trauma and grief of losing of my Beloved mother, along with many other experiences of trauma and loss, sent me reeling into severe drug and alcohol addiction - and trouble. Naturally, hitting bottom was also when I woke up (clean and sober since 1986). It was in very early stages of recovery that I found my ground and a familiar sense of Spirit. I found authors and teachers such as Angelis Arrien, Sandra Ingerman, and many others. I rediscovered my love of ceremony and prayer, which originated in being (first generation) Sicilian, Scottish/Irish, and my Roman Catholic upbringing. Studies began in more Earth based, and more holistically, spiritually oriented teachings. Recovery and my spiritual path were really one and the same journey which cracked my heart open and repaired my soul. It seems these initiations - the deeper wounds of loss and addiction, were necessary for me to find a good way of life, a devoted way of being with Spirit, and my work as a therapist and Shamanic practitioner.
The Sacred Pipe -
All cultures engage in ritual involving the elements - fire, earth, air, water. A pipe is a sacred, living tool used in different traditions to lift our prayers to Creator.
I was passed the pipe in 1994 by a teacher, giving me a profound honor and responsibility.
This pipe was made for my teacher by her teacher, a Lakota elder with whom she apprenticed for two years. He passed her this pipe with the Lakota Sioux teachings and ways of sacred ceremony. It was an honor to attend many of her ceremonies. After years of leading ceremony, my teacher received a message in a dream that she was to either pass the pipe to me, or bury it. After careful deliberation, I accepted the responsibility and was given instruction about the pipe and the correct ways of conducting ceremony. The Lakota Sioux call their sacred pipe Chanupa. It is called by other names in other cultures. I do not "own" this Chanupa. I am simply Its keeper, carrying it for the community.
At that time, I couldn’t have known what was ahead for me as a Shamanic practitioner and ceremony leader. Through the years, I have learned beyond words what it means to be a pipe carrier. I have had the honor of sitting in the lodge and in ceremony with Ojibwe and Mayan Shamans, Lipan-Apache Maestra of Curandarismo, and Lakota and Diné (Navajo) elders, receiving their instruction and blessing. I've also been committed to my own study through ordinary and non-ordinary states of consciousness. Being a pipe carrier is not something I sought out or decided to pick up. Rather, I was asked, and it is a responsibility which I hold with humble gratitude and fierce respect.
The Six Gates of Completion ~
A Companion in Life's Transition
Endorsed by Best Selling Authors - Kathlyn Hendricks and the late Don Campbell
"The Six Gates of Completion is about facing the abyss, going straight on through, and finding sweet life reawakened on the other side.... BJ Brown radiates a new paradigm of transparency and unity. It si time now to celebrate wholeness, to model and practice the art of alignment. You can find your own entirety as you journey through the gates she has opened. With BJ, in person and through this book, you benefit from her living integrity."
Kathlyn Hendricks, PhD., BC-DMT
Director of Training, The Hendricks Institute,
Co-Author of Conscious Loving
" BJ Brown has created a rich, clear cycle of inner enrichment through The Six Gates of Completion. Whether you are starting your life journey or taking time for private reflection, you will find harmony, insight, and deep caring within, these pages."
Don Campbell
Author of The Mozart Effect, Healing at the Speed of Sound and Sound Spirit
Please contact BJ Brown directly for purchase information. 303.808.4006
Facebook Pages:
Wolfheals Shamanic Services
facebook.com/love1wolf
Six Gates of Completion
facebook.com/healingread
A Companion in Life's Transition
Endorsed by Best Selling Authors - Kathlyn Hendricks and the late Don Campbell
"The Six Gates of Completion is about facing the abyss, going straight on through, and finding sweet life reawakened on the other side.... BJ Brown radiates a new paradigm of transparency and unity. It si time now to celebrate wholeness, to model and practice the art of alignment. You can find your own entirety as you journey through the gates she has opened. With BJ, in person and through this book, you benefit from her living integrity."
Kathlyn Hendricks, PhD., BC-DMT
Director of Training, The Hendricks Institute,
Co-Author of Conscious Loving
" BJ Brown has created a rich, clear cycle of inner enrichment through The Six Gates of Completion. Whether you are starting your life journey or taking time for private reflection, you will find harmony, insight, and deep caring within, these pages."
Don Campbell
Author of The Mozart Effect, Healing at the Speed of Sound and Sound Spirit
Please contact BJ Brown directly for purchase information. 303.808.4006
Facebook Pages:
Wolfheals Shamanic Services
facebook.com/love1wolf
Six Gates of Completion
facebook.com/healingread