Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sand Symes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sand, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
My journey into integrating earth-based and psychedelic medicines into my practice emerged from a profound personal concern. As a social worker, I saw firsthand how hundreds of individuals struggled to make sense of their experiences with sacred plant and earth-based medicines. Many were dealing with significant childhood traumas, some of which they hadn’t even been aware of before their sessions. What concerned me deeply was the noticeable lack of integration support following such profound experiences. This model, which has been used by many indigenous cultures effectively, often does not translate as smoothly into Western contexts. In our society, where the psychological and cultural frameworks differ significantly, the absence of structured integration can lead to confusion and disorientation, rather than healing.
It took me 12 years to find my voice in this field, constantly battling the thought, “Who am I to question this established model?” But that very question became one of my greatest teachers. It pushed me to think deeply and to challenge the status quo of healing and transformation that lacked adequate preparation and integration.
Over the last two decades, I’ve sat in over 130 plant and earth-based medicine ceremonies. My real breakthrough came when I started working with MDMA nearly ten years ago. That’s when I truly realized the incredible healing potential and infinite possibilities for growth that could come from combining these powerful medicines in a thoughtful, integrated way.
My Celtic roots also played a significant role in shaping my approach. Learning that many of my ancestors used psilocybin as a healing tool and a means to expand consciousness helped me connect more deeply with these practices. It grounded my approach in a lineage that was both historical and deeply personal. This blend of personal experience, professional understanding, and ancestral wisdom inspired me to take a bold, courageous step towards advocating for a more holistic, integrated model of healing. It’s a path that not only honors the profound potential of these earth-based and psychedelic medicines but also respects the depth of transformation they can foster.
Sand, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hi, my name is Sand Symes, a multifaceted mentor, coach, and teacher, dedicated to empowering women to reclaim their narratives and harness their inner power to create the lives they envision. My journey into this field began from a deep, personal connection to the impacts of trauma, having witnessed its effects not only on individuals but across generations. My own experiences with PTSD from childhood trauma, sexual assault, grief, and divorce have profoundly shaped my approach to healing and transformation.
Originally a social worker helping those affected by domestic abuse, addiction, and incarceration, I transitioned into a spiritual business coach for female entrepreneurs, urging them to create impactful, positive ripples in society. My work spans across various healing modalities, with a significant focus on my roles as a Sacred Mentor and Psychedelic Guide. In these capacities, I facilitate deep, transformative experiences that help individuals release old wounds and navigate their paths toward clarity and liberation. Through sacred mentorship and guided psychedelic journeys, I empower individuals to explore their inner landscapes, confront personal challenges, and embrace profound healing.
In 1996, a pivotal encounter with a group of cosmic beings known as “The Ancestors” initiated a profound personal transformation, guiding me towards a path of deep spiritual practices and connections with shamans, medicine men and women, and mentors. This journey has enabled me to turn my pain into a powerful narrative of empowerment and healing.
My services include a comprehensive range of programs, both online and in-person in California, tailored to support women in transforming toxic patterns, reclaiming their voice, and living life on their own terms. These programs are designed to help women shed limiting stories, unravel confining narratives, and leap into their true selves.
What sets me apart is my personal journey of transformation, my holistic approach to healing, and my dedication to empowering women through integration of traditional wisdom and modern practices. I am most proud of the transformative impact my programs have on women, helping them to step into their power and live authentically.
For anyone looking to embark on a life-changing journey, I offer not just tools and teachings, but a partnership in transformation, helping each individual navigate their unique path to self-discovery and empowerment.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
1) Unlearning the Lesson: Psychedelics and Plant/Earth-Based Medicines
One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the conventional view of psychedelics and plant/earth-based medicines merely as drugs with harmful effects. Growing up in a society where these substances were stigmatized, I internalized a narrative that labeled them as dangerous and illicit. However, over two decades of sitting with and learning from these medicines, guided by incredible shamans and medicine teachers, profoundly altered my understanding. The medicines themselves became my greatest teachers, opening me up to the sacredness and profound healing potential they hold when used with respect, intention, and proper integration. This journey was not just about changing my perspective but embracing these ancient practices as powerful tools for deep psychological and spiritual growth. This transformative experience has been crucial in my work, allowing me to incorporate these ancient wisdoms into modern healing practices effectively.
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
2) Reflecting on My Professional Journey: Would I Choose the Same Path?
Looking back, I would undoubtedly choose the same profession again. My career as a social worker provided me with an invaluable foundation in understanding the human psyche, trauma, and the generational patterns embedded within us all. This role not only deepened my empathy and compassion but also ignited a curiosity about the mechanisms of long-lasting change. It propelled me to explore and acquire additional tools, resources, and strategies that could facilitate profound, enduring transformations in people’s lives. Among these tools, I discovered the transformative power of psychedelics and plant/earth-based medicines, alongside therapeutic frameworks like Internal Family Systems (IFS), which have enriched my ability to support and guide others effectively. My background in social work has been indispensable, grounding my approach to healing in a robust understanding of human challenges and potential.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sandsymes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandsymes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sand.symes
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sand-symes-csw-0461ba224/