ABOUT ILLANA BERGER, PHD

My sessions are always unique to the individual or couple. Sessions are always creative, inspired by the moment and the dynamics of our energies together. I meet you where you are and follow your unique process. I support your unfolding and your discoveries in a way that you might not be able to do by yourself.

 

So often we just need someone who can hear/see us, connect with us and our process without needing to translate it; it’s as if we speak the same language. I work with something called “shamanic transference.” It is a dynamic that when you share your experiences with an empathic person, their psyche gets activated to imagine into your experiences in a way which nonlocally affects your psyche. So, we are carrying and reimagining your process together. As a result, there is an awakening that is catalyzed and an ability to not only see into your life and situation but to begin to respond in a way that is compassionate and alive for yourself, your family, friends and even our Earth.

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I earned a Ph.D. in Transformative Spirituality with an emphasis in Traditional Knowledge and Recovery of the Indigenous Mind from California Institute for Integral Studies in 2000.   I am an expert in the field of relationship, divorce, indigenous wisdom, spiritual practices and personal transformation. I incorporate the study, experience, and integration of the world’s spiritual wisdom in my work as vehicles for the expansion and awakening of consciousness. Based in diverse spiritual practices my work emphasizes that healing and change begin with an internal shift and the ability to consciously notice thoughts and actions in order to make informed choices in life. Changing and transforming our own consciousness is the first step to transforming and changing  our lives, our relationships, our communities and our world.

 

I have been working with individuals, couples and groups for more than 20 years assisting them to move their lives from suffering to joy and possibility. I trained with healers, elders and medicine people from around the world. I am also a Zen student and teacher working with Koans, as well as a Kriyaban in Kriya Yoga. I facilitate Earth quests, seminars, workshops, retreats and offer initiatory travel & programs. I have been an Adjunct Professor at JFK University in Campbell, Ca, a Zen teacher for Pacific Zen Institute in Oakland, Ca and am currently a spiritual teacher, counselor, Zen teacher and healer in private practice in Santa Cruz, California.

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I have worked closely with Zen Master John Tarrant from Santa Rosa, California, Zen Teacher Cheri Huber from Murphey, Ca, Urban Shaman, elder, healer and author Deena Metzger from Topanga, California, Indigenous Healer Mandaza Kandemwa from Zimbabwe, Africa, Traditional Drum Maker & Sun Dance Chief Dennis Miranda from Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Jewish Shamanic Healer Rabbi Gershon Winkler from Thousand Oaks, California.

 

I presented “The Gift of Conflict” at “All My Relations” intensive training seminar as well as taught for “The Inner Circle” for Harv Eker”s Peak Potential Programs. I designed, coordinated and directed “A Day of Meditation and Prayer for Peace” for Zen Teacher Cheri Huber and Living Compassion, Inc, designed and coordinated “A Gathering of Shamans Conference in Big Bear, California, designed and coordinated the Bali Institute for Global Renewal Conferences in Bali, Indonesia as well as presented “Indigenous Wisdom for Healing and Transforming the World. I was also the director of teachings for 4 years for the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment in San Jose, Ca.

 

I was an invited participant in the international gathering of faith leaders; “A Global Dialogue on Compassion” at Dharma Drum Mountain in Taipei, Taiwan and presented “Indigenous Spirituality as a Forum for Personal and Social Awakening” at the University of Toronto’s conference on Democracy.

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I lead transformative adventures to Africa, Bali, Hawaii and Israel. Based in diverse spiritual practices, I intend to guide and inspire you to remember the totality of who you are – spiritual beings expressing the vast potential of the universe.

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To Schedule a complimentary 15 minute introductory call 

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