At the edge of the forest, in a place of stillness and depth, we gather again.
We continuing the overarching theme of parts work in Jungian, Shamanic, and IFS perspectives. But the true center of this intensive is not any system of thought, but the Heart itself, the very center of the Heart-path is recognition and expression of Loving Awareness within you.
Safety First / Disclaimer: This workshop is intended for personal growth and transformation oriented individuals who are not currently undergoing a major life crisis. It is not a substitute for individual psychotherapy, medical, or psychiatric treatment. Parts Work can be a powerful tool for working with past trauma. However, in this workshop we will learn about parts work and have experiences practicing for your own personal growth and healing. The event is intended for the enrichment of shamanic practitioners, psychotherapists, natural healers, life coaches, Jungian analysts, creative artists and poets even, and for those interested in any of these fields. It is not for someone suffering from a severe mood disorder or experience in a high level of crisis or suicidality, nor for someone with a serious medical condition. We simply cannot offer that level of safe containment in a workshop context. If you have questions about any of this, email us so we can consider your situation and make a determination if it is right for you.
REGISTRATION & PREPARATION DETAILS:
When: July 30, 2026. Come early to set up tents and your camping area. Mobile Campers (RVs) are welcome. Event Start Time: 4pm July 30, and event closing time to August 3rd 4:pm.
Location of the Intensive: Niles, MI 49120 (address will be provided with RSVP)
What to bring: Tent, sleeping bag, rain parka, loose clothing, a recorded shamanic drumming file on your cell phone recorder, with ear-phones for shamanic lucid dreaming at night. Bring your drum, rattles, didj, other musical instrument, eye cover (bandana, Mindfold). Bring a journal art paper and paints or colored pens or pencils for expressing. And sharing in dyadic and group process.
Meals: Bring an extra $60.00 cash to pitch in for meals. We will plan meals on the first day, and pitch in for groceries, camp-style cooking and cleaning up.
Tuition: $475.00 ($450.00 early-bird price before July 7th.
RSVP to admin@crowsnestshamanism.com (please allow up to 48 hours for a response)
STAFF
C. Michael Smith, Ph.D. (aka Mikkal) is a practicing clinical, analytical psychologist, and shamanic teacher. He is known for his body of work integrating Jung and Shamanism. He is founder of Crows Nest Centers for Shamanic Studies International (Belgium, France, South Africa, USA) , and has taught at the University of Chicago, Chicago Theological Seminary, Saybrook University, and the Cercle de Sagesse in Paris, France. He has served on doctoral comities at CIIS, Michigan School of Professional Psychology, and in the Pacifica Graduate Institute for more than 20 years, and has taught Jung and Shamanism for the International Association of Analytical Psychology [IAAP] and the Russian Academy of Science (June, 2021), and for the IAAP/Analyst Training Program in Bangalore India (March-April 2022), and for the Instituto Mediterraneo Di Psicologia Archetipa, Sicily-Italy, (May-July 2022), and for CIPA, the Italian Center of Analytical Psychology (Oct. 2022). He will be presenting for the Multidisciplinary Hybrid Psychedelic Council , Amsterdam, Holland June 2-4, 2023. Mikkal has presented for the Shift Network with Robert Moss, and for Sounds True (Shamanism Summit, 2018) and many podcasts worldwide. He is author of PSYCHOTHERAPY AND THE SACRED, (Gradiva Awards accl), 1995) and the classic JUNG AND SHAMANISM IN DIALOGUE: Retrieving the Soul / Retrieving the Sacred (1997, 2007). In early 2025 he was interviewed in Jeffry Mishlove’s NEW THINKING ALLOWED, with Dr. Leanne Whitney.
Laura Burkett Gutierrez, MA, (she/her) has been in private practice for the past 15 years. She holds a Masters degree in Transpersonal Psychology, is a Level-3 certified practitioner of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy, and holds multiple certifications in holistic nutrition, the psychology of eating, and psycho-shamanism (a synthesis of depth psychology and traditional healing). Laura has spent time in South America, Central America, and the American Southwest to study traditional practices in physical and psychological healing. She continues an ongoing apprenticeship in depth psychology and psychoshamanic/psychological healing with clinical and Jungian psychologist and shamanic teacher, C. Michael Smith and has assisted in IFS therapy trainings. You can read more about Laura’s work at lauraburkett.com and realfoodwellness.com
Aion Farvahar, PhD, is a Level 3 Certified IFS Practitioner and the author of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Tips and Practice Skills, a book written for IFS Therapists and Practitioners. Aion is also a psychoshamanic practitioner and an active member of the Crows Nest Center for Shamanic Studies since 2018. In addition to IFS, Aion uses Contemplative Imagination and select shamanic wisdom practices to assist clients who are interested in discovering the psychospiritual depth of their beings. Aion has a holistic approach to inner work. He views psychological healing and self-awareness as essential but merely the foundation of deeper levels of self-awareness: namely, spiritual self-awareness and the awareness of the greater purpose of life. To inquire about working with Aion or being notified of his future workshop offerings, check out his websites: www.aionfarvahar.com or www.celestialtwin.com.
Jamila Blue is a Transformation Coach, helping individuals elevate their Essence by connecting to the Divine through Play. Jamila is also the Crows Nest Center for Shamanic Studies and event Registrar. She will offer Ecstatic Sacred Dance Sessions around the Sacred Fire again at this year’s event.
Website: www.jamilablue.com
