Sue’s Story

From trauma to transformation

My Journey

I grew up in rural Shropshire with a deep connection to animals and nature.

In my early twenties I travelled through India and Pakistan, where I first experienced indigenous ceremonies and sacred space. From there, my path unfolded through healing traditions across the world.

I was drawn to both the human energy field and the spirit of place — learning shamanic healing, energy medicine, feng shui, space clearing and geomancy. At last, a vocation that I could pour my heart and soul into: healing people, harmonising homes, and honouring the natural world.

As a “wounded healer,” I went through years of my own transformation.

I didn’t discover the core wound I was carrying — early childhood sexual abuse — until I was 49. The suppressed memory took years to heal and integrate, and it explained the panic attacks, phobias, hypervigilance, shame, addictions and dysfunction I had lived with.

I stand here now as someone who has healed from PTSD through the very practices I teach. I am living proof that this work works. I have emerged clearer, stronger, more peaceful and creative than I ever imagined possible.

These practices have changed my life. How could I not share them?

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Shamanic Practitioner Sue Holmes

For the past decade, training practitioners has been my bread and butter — helping others develop real skills, confidence and integrity so they can fulfil their destiny and support healing in their communities.

And everything I do is also moving toward a bigger vision: a retreat centre and sanctuary in Portugal, where healing, community and connection with nature can flourish.

I am profoundly grateful to have participated in hundreds of healing circles, ceremonies and spiritual rituals across many cultures and traditions — from Europe to the Himalayas to the Amazon, Andes, Africa, China and beyond.

These experiences awakened a deep respect for indigenous wisdom and strengthened my ability to facilitate healing and ceremony.

The Academy of Modern Shamanism does not represent or claim any one tradition. We honour all authentic paths that connect earth, heart and spirit — always working with transparency, respect and without cultural misappropriation.

If you feel the call to heal — yourself and others — I would love to welcome you onto this path.

Karishma Sue Holmes
Founder, Academy of Modern Shamanism

Sue's Shamanic Practitioner & Feng Shui Training

  • Usui Reiki 1 & 2 (1995) and Reiki ‘Master’ (Haritama Pitzealis, India – 1998)
  • Two year Advanced Feng Shui Practitioner & Space Clearing Diploma (Feng Shui Academy 2003 – 2005)
  • One year immersive training in Core Shamanism (The Sacred Trust – 2004/5) & two-week residential training (2016).
  • Certificate of Interior Alignment & Elemental Space Clearing. Certified Soul Coach (Denise Linn – Thailand 2005)
  • Geomancy & dowsing tutor training (British Society of Dowsers 2005-2006)
  • Colour Light Therapist (School of Awakening – 2006-2007)
  • Two year training in ‘Path of Pollen’ honeybee shamanism (The Sacred Trust – 2006-2008).
  • Angelic Reiki ‘Master’ (Kevin & Christine Core – 2007)
  • Sound Healing training (Earth Dance 2007-8 and Ashera Hart 2016)
  • Classical Feng Shui Certification, plus 10 ‘master classes’ and a two-week study tour in China (Howard Choy, European College of Feng Shui – 2008-2016)
  • Two-year Energy Healing training (M.B. Graduate of Barbara Brennon – School of Energy Healing 2010-2011)
  • Practitioner of Chöd. Practitioner of Compassionate De-possession & Curse-unravelling.  (2012 – 2013 Betsy Bergstrom)
  • Ancient Tibetan Bon & Buddhist Meditation practices (from 2012)
  • Sandra Ingerman’s Medicine for the Earth (Imelda Almqvist – 2014)
  • One year Living Tao breathwork training (Andy Portman – 2016)
  • Three-year Pythoness & Pollen Method (Naomi Lewis & Deborah Willimott 2020 – 2023).
  • Kundalini Activation Facilitator – (Kundalini Healing Academy, Lisboa – 2024)
  • Certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher 2023 – 2025 (Karam Kriya School, Sintra).
  • Traumatic Stress Certification (PESI Trauma Research Foundation – 2025/26)

Memberships & Affiliations:

  • Feng Shui Society accreditation (since 2005) & served as member of executive committee 2016-2019.
  • Member of BCMA (British Complimentary Medicine Association)
  • Accredited teacher with IPHM (International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine).
  • Red Ribbon Consultant Member of the IFSG (International Feng Shui Guild)

‘Sue is amazing! She is a wonderful mix of fun and professionalism. She has this ability to make you feel at ease, with her infectious laugh, and at the same time deeply honoured and securely held, by the loving kindness she brings to all her work.

When I first met Sue a few years ago, I was instantly struck by her warmth, and noticed how well-loved she was by all the students. She has such integrity and is really committed to being in service to others.

A great teacher, an excellent healer and, I’m happy to say, a good friend – If you haven’t had the pleasure of working with Sue, then I’d suggest you hurry up. This lady is in demand!’

Marianne Willis

Energy healer & teacher, South Wales.

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