My holistic training spans many modalities and cultures, creating a blend of Eastern and Western psychological models, central and South American shamanic wisdom lineages, and trauma-informed somatic release principles. My mother and grandfather are both medical doctors, a lineage I consider myself a continuation of in a unique way.

I hold my Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy + Comparative Religious Studies. I have three years of training in Traditional and Classical Chinese Medicine, which I incorporate into my work now through hands-on body work and nature-based psychology.

I have studied and practice yoga and Buddhist meditation for over a decade, and have a deep knowledge of the ways we hold deeply stored beliefs in our bodies and how to release them.  For the last three years, I have worked as an embodiment coach and trauma resolution specialist with a group counseling practice.

I have undertaken informal apprenticeships and mentorships with teachers in Chinese, Tibetan, and Ayurvedic medicine, Buddhism, Astrology & Divination, Shamanism, and Trauma Resolution. I have also learned from my own life experiences. I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, a decade of chronic illness, rape, miscarriage, and a high-impact car collision. These experiences have shaped me and have helped me grow deeper in my ability to empathize with others.

I am currently training for my Master’s degree in Social Work with the intention to go on to pursue my PhD in integrated shamanic medical care. My ultimate goal is to become a researcher and educator in this emerging field to help normalize and incorporate shamanic practices into our mainstream medical system.

Over the course of my life, I have spent 2+ years living full-time in Central and South America, where I continue to deepen my relationship with shamanism and indigenous wisdom.

I have been working with entheogens such as Psilocybin, San Pedro, Cacao, and Ayahuasca for a decade. Since 2016, I have journeyed many times to the jungles and mountains of Peru and the volcanoes of Guatemala to work with and learn from indigenous elders and medicine keepers.

My current practice incorporates all of these threads and more. Being with me in person feels both deep and lighthearted. My favorite thing to do is sing.

I was born in the shadow of the Grand Tetons in Jackson, Wyoming and moved to Southwest Colorado in 2017. Throughout my life, I have developed a deep connection to nature, intentional community, and my own internal spiritual world. While my path has taken many turns, I have always been a healer. My background is a blend of western medicine and education, proven counseling techniques, and ancient spiritual practice.

My western education began with a B.S in Biology followed by being trained as a Wilderness EMT. This training has allowed me to have a deeper understanding of the human body as well as provide a physically safe space for clients. In addition, I have a M.A.T. in Science Education from Western Governors University and have taught alternative education to at-risk youth and young adults both outside and in a classroom for 15 years.

In 2016, I had the opportunity to work in wilderness therapy and spent the next 5 years of my life devoted to the practice of helping people find their way back to their path. During that time I was trained in and practiced non-violent communication, trauma-informed techniques, mindfulness, de-escalation, and somatic principles. This experience helped me to find a deeper connection to my own role as a healer and I decided to pursue a path of spiritual healing.

Many trainings followed: a smatter of offerings from the likes of Daniel Foor, Ruby Jo Walker, Animas Valley Institute, and more; books upon books by Joseph Campbell, Anodea Judith, and Michael Harner; weeks spent in the Peruvian Amazon learning from a curandero; a 2 year apprenticeship of cross-cultural and Celtic shamanism under Twobirds Cunningham in Scotland; and lastly, hours of study and introspection in plant medicine under the guidance of my own internal spiritual teachers and allies. I have such gratitude for these gifts and the opportunity to pass them forward to people in need.

I always have a desire to continue learning. My current journey is studying as a masters candidate in Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling from Naropa University. From my past experiences as well as this new learning, I am versed in a multitude of various emotional and spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, chakra balancing, energetic healing, sound healing, and more. 

Lastly, within all of my work I weave music, movement, Land acknowledgements, and aspects of ritual. I have been a percussionist for 25+ years and play many instruments including the hand pan, frame drum, djembe, rattles, singing bowls, ukulele, and my own voice.

I look forward to meeting you, to share my gifts, and to bask in yours.

Dara del Rio

Coulter stone