Portraits of her: A narrative analysis of the life stories of five women healers

This study assists in gathering and synthesizing information on the abilities, philosophies, worldviews and wisdom of contemporary women healers.;A combination of narrative analysis and life story was used to gather information about the experiences of growth and transformation among five women who have maintained a successful practice in the healing arts for ten or more years. Thematic interpretation was used to analyze the data.;Six themes became evident as having significant influence in the development of women healers. These are (a) The Importance of a Support Network; (b) Ongoing Learning and Self-Transformation; (c) Nature as a Teacher and Tool for Healing; (d) Energy as a Universal Language; (e) Integral Approach to Healing and (f) Purpose-driven Life.