A good place to start is an understanding of what shamanism is. Shamanism rests on the belief that the universe consists of seen and unseen dimensions, that it is animated by energies of consciousness, and that suffering is a result of disharmony or negative interactions between humans and their social and natural environment. The goal of the shaman is to acquire the power residing in the unseen dimension of reality and mediate it for the practical benefit of the community.
From the shamanic perspective we see that we are more than just the physical experience of ourselves, we are connected to something greater. The shaman has long served in the roles as healer, counselor, and spiritual guide for their community. Having one foot in the spirit realm and one foot in the physical, with both of these places joined by a bridge of awareness. This is the perspective that allows the shaman to facilitate a space of awareness that allows others to release the energetic imprint of trauma.