The Foundation for Shamanic Studies
Harner Shamanic Counseling Training Program
Taught by April Tuck
August 17-21, 2026 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
This five-day course provides intensive preparation in a highly effective system of personal problem-solving and guidance for those who wish to use the methods for themselves or professionally for others. Harner Shamanic Counseling (HSC) was originated in the early 1980s by Michael Harner based on his earlier devised core shamanism.
In essence, the clients become practitioners of divinatory shamanism for themselves, with the help and guidance in ordinary reality of the shamanic counselor. One of the features of HSC is that the real shamanic counselors are in nonordinary reality. These are wise teachers that the clients encounter in their shamanic journeys and who provide answers to the client’s questions. The ordinary reality HSC counselors, in contrast, provide instruction, orientation, and methodological advice based upon core shamanism and shamanic journeying.
HSC uses electronically provided sonic-driving to alter the state of consciousness of the client in order to go “outside of time” to utilize ancient shamanic problem-solving methods. The client is trained in the method of simultaneous narration and recording of the shamanic journey in order to amplify the quality of experience and to have an ongoing record of the journeys. Through their experiences in the shamanic journey, clients have the opportunity to discover their own abilities to obtain extraordinary, practical and wise answers to important personal questions, overcome inhibitory fears, and to acquire self-confidence and incredible heartfelt wisdom. With this, the client commonly experiences a sense of personal empowerment and a new-found joy in existence.
All five days of this course are devoted to experiential practice in question framing, journeying, and shamanic interpretation in an intimate setting. Each participant will have practice in both roles, client and counselor. The work is intense and exciting. As one participant observed, “The deepest journey I ever had occurred in this course.”
Since HSC is a spiritual rather than a psychological system, it is not necessary for an HSC counselor to be a professional psychotherapist or other counselor. What does seem to be essential is that the counselor be well-versed in the concepts and practices of shamanism, and be a stable individual of sensitivity, intelligence, character, and compassion.
All five days of this course are devoted to experiential practice in question framing, journeying, and shamanic interpretation in an intimate setting. Each participant will have practice in both roles, client and counselor. The work is intense and exciting. As one participant observed, “The deepest journey I ever had occurred in this course.”
Since HSC is a spiritual rather than a psychological system, it is not necessary for an HSC counselor to be a professional psychotherapist or other counselor. What does seem to be essential is that the counselor be well-versed in the concepts and practices of shamanism, and be a stable individual of sensitivity, intelligence, character, and compassion.
April Tuck
April E. Tuck, MS, CSC, is a faculty member of the
Foundation for Shamanic Studies. April started onto the path of shamanic practice in 1980 after discovering Michael Harner’s seminal book, The Way of the Shaman. “I was thrilled to find an accessible academician whose research confirmed my personal experiences. It was not difficult to align the practices
with which I had grown up with those of core shamanism. Following this path has been a great sustaining joy for me.” Traveling throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Central America allowed her to explore the threads that unite the healing practices of various cultures. Such experiences have been amplified by her studies with different faculty members of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, including Michael Harner, Sandra Harner, and Alicia Luengas Gates. She is a Certified Shamanic Counselor, a graduate of the FSS Three-Year Program of Advanced Initiations in Shamanism and Shamanic Healing,
and has an active shamanic healing and counseling practice in Vermont and Boston. April holds her B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from Ithaca College and M.S. in Communication Disorders from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
“April Tuck was amazing in how she presented the info, guided us in the practice, held the space for deep learning, kept us motivated, and taught by affirming and uplifting us with her joyful energy. She made the course extraordinary!”
Deborah Ram
“The HSC training I received has been invaluable both for myself and my clients. While I have not been called upon to offer this service as of yet, I feel it has made me more sensitive to the concerns of my clients, and better capable of addressing them.”
Ben Jezirski
“The HSC work is among the most powerful I have encountered, not only for myself at the training, but in use with clients afterwards. With regard to the training itself, I really loved it. I came away, not only with insights and new practices for myself, but a method I can use to help clients develop their own disciplined work and connection to helping spirits.”
Susan Rossi
Ottawa, Canada
Ottawa is a rare find where stately historic charm meets a vibrant, modern soul. Often celebrated as one of the cleanest and safest capitals in the world, the city offers a sophisticated escape where world-class culture is seamlessly connected by an easy-to-navigate transit system. From the Gothic grandeur of Parliament Hill to the bustling artisan energy of the ByWard Market, you can explore with total peace of mind. Ottawa delivers a seamless blend of urban comfort and breathtaking natural beauty.
Ottawa (YOW) is an easy to navigate International Airport that connects you to the world.
Ottawa’s stunning waterways, including the historic Rideau Canal and the majestic Ottawa River, offer a picturesque backdrop for year-round recreation, from skating on the world’s largest naturally frozen rink to scenic summer boat tours.
Location of Training Venue
The venue for the training is the Hall of Peace in Ottawa Ontario. The Hall has free parking. and public transit, including the light rail is within a 5 minute walk. The light rail station is Tunney’s Pasture and connects you to the airport and downtown Ottawa.