Wilbert Alix

Wilbert Alix has earned international recognition as a contemporary healer and teacher of progressive psychology and neo-shamanic studies. A prominent figure in the emerging science of body-centered psychology, his presentations are accentuated by an intellectual depth and his unique insights into the relationships between 'matter' and 'the mind'.

Wilbert Alix was born and raised in the "Storyville" section of New Orleans... a culture rich in ritual trance music, ecstatic dance and old world shamanic tradition. "Over the last 500 hundred years shamanism has mutated into more 'contemporary' spiritual forms, such as Ubanda & Candomble (Brazil), Santeria (Cuba) and Voodou (Haiti)... all of which are grossly misunderstood in our modern world. Just as we are finding new pharmacological value in old medicinal plant remedies, we must also rediscover the mystical significance of the context in which these 'plant medicines' were taken. Clearly, there was more going on within shamanic healing methods than just the ingestion of these medicine plants alone. Their sacred songs, sounds, rhythms and dance also contributed significantly to the healing process".

It is our limited understanding of these 'mysteries' that motivates Wilbert to develop Trance Dance into a legitimate methodology for spiritual exploration. "Personally, my original experiences of trance dance and trance music was through my involvement in neighborhood 'Indian practices' " ... a weekly ritual gathering of New Orleans of African decent who worshiped their historic connection with the Native American Indians who gave them shelter during the days of slavery. "There was something mystical about these gatherings. In these ritual sessions we would blend percussive rhythms, hypnotic chants and ecstatic dance into a single force that drove the 'tribe' into an altered state of mind. There were moments that were deeply spiritual... similar to religious and meditative experiences... just profoundly deeper". Through similar shamanic rituals millions of people around the world have practiced methods for joining their 'body/mind' into one unified spiritual force. These ritual journeys promote both physical and mental well being while simultaneously stimulating a deeper connection to 'God' and the wisdom inherent in this spiritual relationship."Interestingly, these childhood 'trance journeys' were in preparation for the annual ritual gathering of various other 'Black Indian' tribes on Mardi Gras day... one of the oldest contemporary shamanic gatherings in the United States."

In 1976 Wilbert Alix left his native New Orleans to continue his exploration into both the scientific and 'alternative' approaches to healing and spirituality. During this period he began studying with and merging the works of various innovative teachers of contemporary healing, most importantly, his association with Frank Natale and his approach to transformational therapy and dance as vehicles for healing. During this 20-year period Wilbert Alix helped develop and served as director of the Natale Institute International, a worldwide network of education and training programs that have empowered tens of thousands with the ability to transform their thoughts into reality. The Natale Institute's tri-level curriculum emphasizes the enrichment of body, mind and soul. Participants achieve greater self-esteem, learn to communicate more effectively, learn to transform stress and anxiety into positive energy and transform goals into concrete results. Participants also deepened their spiritual relationships and developed practical methods for joining these 3 worlds.

Throughout his diverse 30-year career, Wilbert Alix has directed numerous medical, social, mental health and alternative approaches to both physical and emotional well-being. From 1975-86 his work with Baylor College Of Medicine and the University Of Texas Health Science Center ranged from cardiovascular research to organ transplantation. From 1990-1993 he served as president of the Capital Area Mental Heath Center, one of the largest psychotherapy programs in the United States. He is the creator and director of the 'Common Ground Project'; a conflict management program that successfully brings together opposing groups through an education in integrity building and creative problem solving. His popular TV show 'Awakening The Mind' has aired on public television since 1988. "My intention is to bring into simple and clear focus the enormously complex worlds of medicine, psychology, spirituality and mysticism for the purpose of clear direction and achievement.

Wilbert Alix resides in the heart of Austin, Texas