WHO AM I?
I have been teaching ancestral healing practices for over 14 years and have been on the path of holistic healing as a student since 2002 when I was initiated in Reiki at age 15 in my home country Colombia. Since then, I have trained in different therapeutic modalities such as plant medicine work, indigenous shamanism, traditional Thai massage, yoga, breathwork, Tibetan Buddhism, Andean energy medicine, and Transpersonal Psychology.
As an anthropologist, therapist and guide, I work closely with traditional indigenous mentors and different sacred plant medicines since 2008 in Colombia, Peru and the Unites States. I’m a researcher of therapeutic uses of plant teachers in ceremonial contexts and hope bring to light the benefits of plant medicines and expanded states of consciousness in the awakening of self-awareness and higher wisdom.
As a bodyworker I follow the traditional principles of natural healing as observed by indigenous wisdom keepers of the world and offer a sacred and safe space for therapy, as well as teachings in the use of plant medicines, therapeutic bodywork and self-awareness through movement, breath and meditation.
BACKGROUND
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of the Cumberlands, projected graduation 2026
- Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy Certification at Integrative Psychiatry Institute, Boulder, CO 2022
- M.A. in Transpersonal Psychology and Consciousness Studies at The Graduate Institute of Holistic Studies, CT 2020
- Transformative Life Coaching at The Graduate Institute of Holistic Studies in Bethany, CT 2020
- B.A in Anthropology and Philosophy from the University of North Florida. 2011
- Licensed Massage Therapist from Florida School of Massage MA 68856 since 2012
- Thai Massage Program and apprenticeship with Ariela Grodner at Bodhi Sangha School of Thai Massage. Gainesville, FL 2012
- Thai Massage and Ayurveda at Sunshine Network in Thailand 2017
- Kundalini Yoga 220 hrs as taught by Yogi Bhajan 2019
- Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga 300+ hrs in Colombia and Peru through Inbound School of Yoga. 2013
- NCBTMB CEU approved provider for other licensed massage therapists since 2017
I am an international massage instructor and yoga teacher trainer and have led several massage certification retreats and yoga teacher trainings through Inbound Yoga. I have traveled to Thailand to further my studies in Thai massage at the Sunshine Network School and TMC, and have spent time with recognized massage masters like Ariela Grodner, Kam Thye Chow and Pichest.
Besides all the studying I whole-heartedly enjoy singing, laughing, acrobatic yoga, martial arts, traveling, co-creating healing spaces and facilitating ritual and ceremonial work for others.
May all beings always benefit!
RESOURCES
I am happy to share with you what resources may encourage your growth, if you have specific questions please contact me and I’ll be glad to answer any inquiries
My heart goes out in gratitude to all the medicine men and women, altar carriers, healers, shamans, yogis, meditators, philosophers, professors, and teachers I have had over the years in formal and informal settings.
I cannot detail particular institutions where I have received some of the most profound teachings, because some of these have simply occurred in the context of life and through my world travels.
I am happy to share stories and particular details in conversation if you have interest in any one particular direction. My path is your path, and the true compass lies in your heart.
Maria Farfan 