I am Elliott Rivera. I am initiated as a priest in Santera, an Ordained Minister of the Universal Life Church, Spiritual Coach, and Trainer.
I grew up on the beautiful Island of Puerto Rico until the age of five. We relocated to New York City, where I went to school and lived for 45 years on and off. I was fortunate enough to have had my grandmothers living with us or me with them at times; this is where my interest in spirituality began.
I graduated from High School and went directly to the Navy. I spent 2 1/2 years of active duty with the rare opportunity of traveling the world.
After the military, I went to the City University of New York. I Changed my major from Physical Therapy to nursing, and finally, Education and Psychology. After graduation, I moved to Munich, Germany, where I taught at the American Military base. After living in Munich for 2 1/2 years.
As a health Educator during the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, returning to New York, I pursued my Master's in Public Health. During this period, I became much more involved in the Latino Community. I also was reconnected to my Shamanic Path.
In 2001 I returned to Europe, moving to the Netherlands (Amsterdam), where I live. in my private practice, I work with a cross-section of the Latino, Antillean, and Suriname communities. Most of my work is counseling individuals with emotional, spiritual, and physical issues. I also give Workshops on Spirituality and working with the Ancestors.
During the Covid situation in the Netherlands, I would provide services over the internet, helping clients to cope whit the stress of the lockdowns. The road ahead of us in the world will be changeling as we try to maneuver that rocky road ahead.
I take a holistic approach by introducing clients to stress reduction as well as various Shamanistic approaches to “body, mind and spirit”. This approach typically results in the highest productivity and increased quality of life.
As an experienced counselor/coach, I focus on the needs of each individual. Each session offered is customized to meet the unique requirements of the individual. The program is developed and designed based on your needs.
Each session is designed to be informative, engaging, and useful. The information is presented in a manner that fosters involvement and interaction in a safe environment.
What is an Urban Shaman?
The word urban means: Relating to, or constituting a city or town. Since I live in an urban setting (Almere/Amsterdam) and most of the people I work with are also living in an urban setting I have adopted the title ‘ Urban Shaman’.
The word Shaman means a spiritual person with the ability to heal, work with energies and 'see' insights. The essential characteristics of a Shaman are mastery of energy. As an Urban Shaman, I provide services to people living in the urban environment (not exclusively). Many Shamans live in the countryside and are not easily reached by public transportation. Urban people have slightly different issues than non-urbanites.
I adopted the name Urban Shaman being brought up by Shamanic grandmothers in New York City; our parks and apartments were our healing grounds. With this title, I honor my upbringing and my city living.