UTE BEHRENDT
My Story
In 2015 I moved to Peru to start learning with amazonian plant medicine. Since 2016, I have been dedicated to studying in long term master plant diets with a well known Shipibo lineage in the Ucayali region.
My journey with Shipibo medicine started in 2015 at the Temple of the Way Light, where I joined a three month voluntary program at that time. I hold the Temple close to my heart and it’s a place that I feel deeply connected to. It brings me great fulfillment that from 2018 shI have been able to work part-time as a facilitator. Preparation and integration is key for me, which is why I am happy to be additionally offering preparation and integration services for guests.
My dedication to learning from plant medicine, interwoven with my passion for coaching dieteros / plant students along their plant medicine journeys, led me to fulfill my dream of creating my own company at the beginning of 2018 in Peru. My experience from years of studying a multitude of interconnected psychological and spiritual disciplines was peppered with a determination to make working with plants and the courageous people who seek their wisdom her life’s work.
My work specializes in facilitating and guiding people in and around master plant diets. A masterplant diet, called “Sama” in Shipibo, is a traditional further training undertaken by people who want to deepen their knowledge and continue their healing journey with plant medicine. This can be done after participating in ayahuasca ceremonies.
I have been undergoing an apprenticeship with descendants from a powerful lineage of Shipibo healers since 2016. For several months of the year, I lean deeply into training with my Shipibo maestros and the plants. Connecting to master plant and universal wisdom is an aspect of her studies that she has integrated into my life. The learnings and connections that I acquire guides me in my personal life and work life as a facilitator, coach, bridge maker, and space holder, which I do with deep respect and enthusiasm.
I have uniquely curated an approach to working with clients that intertwines the sacred teachings of higher plant wisdom with various western psychological approaches. I have completed a multitude of training that have equipped her with the ability to guide those with whom I work into deep connection with themselves. Prior to embarking on my journey with plant medicine, I worked for ten years in numerous therapeutic and educational institutions in Germany.
I am a certified “Transformational Recovery and Integration Coach,” and finished one year of “Compassionate Inquiry” training with the renowned Gabor Mate. I continues my education by partaking in a plethora of courses which include: Diamond Approach Teachings, IPNB (Interpersonal Neuro-Biology) with Dr. Dan Siegal, and IFS (Internal Family System) trainings with Dr. Richard Schwarz.
I view spirituality and psychotherapy as two sides of the same coin. Exploring the linkages between the two is a fascinating experience that is deeply rooted in the transcendent work that I offer.
About My Work
Working with Ayahuasca and trustworthy Shipibo healers can be a life changing experience that pivots participants in the direction of their own truth, bringing one into alignment with who they truly are.
Alongside the transformation that plant medicine experiences can provide, these powerful experiences can also at times present overwhelm and confusion. It is important to keep in mind that the impressions and insights that arise in one’s ayahuasca experience are all valuable and offer deeply important understandings, but often the big challenge is navigating how to understand these experiences and integrate them consciously into our daily lives.
The more awareness you bring into the retreat, the more you will take away from it. It is for this reason that I feel passionate about offering preparation sessions.
My intentions for the preparation sessions are to shine light on the reasons that brought you to the decision to work with plant medicine. What are your motivations? In this context I offer to work with your intentions while also shining light on more deeply rooted wounds, challenges, or traumas you may carry. Which areas within you are asking for your attention to be liberated so you can live more fully?
The more comprehensive your knowledge of self is, the deeper you can understand your emotions, thoughts, physical sensations, resistance, trauma responses, etc. This will allow you to better work or play with your transformation process in ceremony or during the retreat.
The starting point of our prep-session will be discussing your intentions. During our session I will also offer you tools and practices which can assist you in processing your experiences throughout the duration of the retreat. These tools and practices can also be supportive to you during integration.
Integration is key to experience wholeness. Only if we are able to connect, build bridges, and create oneness internally and externally can we find truth. Integration is linking. Integration is healing. Integration is growth. Integration is connecting aspects of our life experiences on a micro and macro level. Integration is balance and harmony. Integration can be both a linear and non-linear process.
As participants may approach crossroads post retreat, it is important to remember that seeking support can be highly beneficial in expanding one’s views and approaches while assimilating. Often, it is not always so simple to release old patterns and create new ones. It is for this reason that integration requires awareness. I love to offer tools to support you in continuing your path consciously, with care and an open heart.
My belief is that each one of us harbors profound wisdom within. It is my passion to guide you and hold a compassionate space for you so that you can connect deeply to your inner truth and experience alignment from within. I am passionate about creating a space where my clients can experience personal empowerment through this work.