✨ Episode Description

In this raw and heartfelt episode of Thriving Not Surviving, host Helen Valentino is joined by Andy, a gifted master carpenter and channel for dragon medicine, who shares his extraordinary journey from a high-control religious upbringing to a life of spiritual awakening and healing.

Raised in a fear-based, authoritarian religion, Andy speaks candidly about the mental health crises he endured, the crushing burden of guilt and confession, and the deeply painful experience of being shunned by his community. These events triggered an identity crisis, an experience that, while devastating, became a turning point in his path to self-discovery.

His healing deepened when he reconnected with an old friend and began exploring psychedelics, which opened doors to suppressed emotions and spiritual insight. He found solace and transformation in nature-based spiritual practices, shamanism, and a growing relationship with dragon energy.

Helen and Andy explore themes of emotional healing, masculine and feminine energy balance, and the power of community and ceremony—including the transformative potential of acacia medicine. Andy shares his experiences of channelling dragons, his connection with spirit, and the lessons learned from challenging life experiences.

This episode is a moving conversation about reclaiming identity, breaking free from systems of control, and stepping into one’s true power. It's a powerful reminder that healing is possible, even after deep spiritual wounding—and that every one of us has unique gifts to share with the world.

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• Andy was raised in a fear-driven, high-control religious environment.
• Confession practices were shaming and left lasting wounds.
• He experienced deep mental health struggles, particularly after being shunned.
• Separation from his wife and counselling led to greater self-awareness.
• Psychedelics became a doorway to suppressed emotions and spiritual connection.
• Andy now channels messages from dragons and other spirit guides.
• Nature and shamanic practices were central to his healing.
• The Medicine Festival was a major turning point.
• He emphasises the need for community, trust, and self-empowerment.
• He now holds dragon circles to help others on their spiritual path.
• Living in the present can help alleviate fear of the future.
• Critical thinking and personal truth are vital on the spiritual journey.

🐉 Resources & Mentions:

• Books:
• The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz
• God: A Human History of Religion – Reza Aslan
• The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross – John Allegro
• Dragon Medicine & Circles:
• www.dragoncircle.co.uk
• IG/YouTube: @wakingupwithdragons
• Acacia Ceremonies:
• www.freespiritexperiences.com/ceromony

📧 helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk

📸 Instagram: helens_inspired_healing

🌐 inspiredhealing.co.uk

🎵 Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios

🎨 Cover art: Dave Champagne

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