Client Testimonials

 

I am grateful to everyone who has supoorted my work.  Following are some of their testimonials.  

"Gregorio Acuña brought to Portland a history, a culture, and its traditions. What he founded has created a positive movement , through culture and art, he has changed the lives of many Latino youth in Oregon."

"Discovering the Inner Self Through Art and Culture"

Article published in Hispanic News

Portland, Oregon

 

 

"Over the course of five years, we have referred several hundred clients to Gregorio.  We rely on him and his organization FUEGO to provide us with close to 600 hours of service to our clients each year.  His unique and non-traditional healing services have been of tremendous assistance to our clients in overcoming psychological, spiritual and practical hurdles on their way to becoming independent, self sufficient, and contributing members of society."

Kathy Oliver

Executive Director 

Outside In

 

"I knew nothing about sweat lodges when I met Gregorio. After twelve years as a Christian missionary I was curious about other belief systems and Gregorio, poet, entrepreneurial dad and husband was sincere and committed to his path. The entire experience from the introduction to respect the land as a living being, to creating the fire that would support our inward journey and then allowing myself to embrace face my ego and fears, express my gratitude, love and gain a greater compassion for all beings in the dark, steamy lodge marked the beginning of my awakening.”

Phyllis Rawley

Founder of Goddess University

Thailand

 

 

"My son and I went to see Gregorio a few years back when we were at our wits' end with behavioural issues that 3 yrs of standard counselling didnt help.  We had one session with Gregorio and the turn around was instantaneous! He takes it much deeper, into a spiritual connection and energy of Life. I was so impressed! I recommend Gregorio to Anyone of any age - he works miracles!"

Carmella C., Portland Oregon

Essential Elements

 

 

I first discovered Gregorio’s healing practice as a homeless, young 20 year old with some big traumas and some pretty serious afflictions. He took it all in stride and identified in amazing clarity what was going on. His conversational style, and his sense of philosophy allowed a very defensive and confused me to step back and evaluate my life, the mistakes I was making, and how to get out of my situation. With his help, I really began to see the gravity of my healing, and how much dedicated hard work it was actually going to take.

Madison D.

Portland, Oregon

 

"Gregorio, through your use of painting, poetry, poems, ceremonial and ritual tools you have helped youth in the Department of Human Services system develop insight into their past trauma and recovery. Youth involved with you have exhibited a significent decrease in violent reactivity and family discord.  They have demonstrated increased stability aas well as improved social and coping skills."

Tom Heidt

Target Coordinater 

Department of Human Services

Salem, Oregon

 

“Gregorio impacted my life in many positive ways. His Life Coaching inspired me to discover creative solutions to my life challenges.  His advice, guidance and support empowered and motivated me to find the strength within myself to take control of my life and heal myself. I am forever grateful for his help, and I can honestly say that he has helped me change my life for the better.”

Sam G.

Winchester Canal, Ohio

 

"Through his work and guidance, Gregorio has inspired me to take charge in my life and be the creator of my story. Gregorio has helped me by giving me tools and practices that I utilize daily. He had shown me that I am not alone or wrong in my journey."

Maggie Stading 

Portland. Oregon

 

 

"Gregorio, My life is richer because you have been a part of it.  The special sweat lodges will live in my memory forever.  May the spirit's grant you peace and keep you safe wherever you go."

Margie Velez

El Paso, Texas

 

 

"I have known Gregorio for 25 years.  He is a very humble, down to earth person who helped me to heal spiritually.   Through his knowledge, wisdom and guidance, I learned to listen and get in touch with my inner self.  I learned to connect with Mother Nature and to promote the well being of all creation.”

Irene Lopez

El Paso, Texas

 

"Gregorio taught the students to trust in themselves and take pride in their heritages.  The success of the lessons is profoundly reflected in the colors of the murals the students painted with him and Hampton.

Danica Fierman

ESL Coordinator 

Jesfferson High School

Portland, Oregon

 

 

 

 

"Even when I was homless, I still had a positive mentality, and working with Gregorio helped me to maximize that 10 times.  He really helped me learn about myself spiritually and what my work is on earth and help me blossom into action."

Dennis

"The Art of Healing" 

Article published in Street Roots

Portland, Oregon

 

Sometimes we have to look outside the traditional realm of treatment to reach people and try to support their growth.  Gregorio has demonstrated his ability to connect with youth who would otherwise resist professional "treatment," and allow themselves to trust the process of becoming the best person they can be. He utilizes ancient cultural techniques to enable the clientele to tap into their inner selves, gain a perspective of who they are, and learn to have a voice in the world. While standard therapy has a place in talking through things, these alternative methods have allowed each youth to find their voice and socially productive roles. 

Carin Cunninham, M.A.

Family Care Coordinator

Multnomah County Mental Health

Portland, Oregon

 

"My time with Gregorio has been powerful.   In my time spent with him, he has given me the tools to expand myself outside my personal concepts and helped me to live beyond my self-limiting fears and desires. Gregorio’s deep-rooted wisdom and open hearted soul has guided me to find greater depth and meaning for myself and my life. I am very grateful for having met him and honor the wisdom he has chose to share with me."

Casper McEvoy Zomosa

Portland, Oregon

 

"Gregorio helped me understand my power, and untie binds I had placed on myself. This led me to find the voice to speak my truth and the ardor to chase what calls my heart. The spiritual connections he helped me to build are irreversible. I am forever grateful."

Sarah Preslar

El Paso, Texas

 

"Gregorio has been a light on my life path. He always has a word of wisdom but, more importantly, he knows how to listen to me, how to ask me the questions that really matter, those questions that make one know oneself better. He always has a word of love and care as well. Additionally, he has a deep knowledge of our ancestors' traditions, so he knows some magical ways of healing the body and the soul. I think that the most important thing Gregorio has given to me is the understanding that I am not bounded to anything and all the things that happen in my life are my own decision, so I am really grateful to him."

Luz O.

Mexico City, Mexico

 

"Gregorio's work has helped Christie Care's youth clients find a sense of personal identity, belonging, and community.  It has also given them an opportunity to be reconnected with their culture, history and their artistic and creative expression.  These links help a child to have a voice in their community, their future, and in the lives of others who have experienced similar difficulties." Chris Larsen

System of Care Coordinator

Christie Care

Portland, Oregon

 

“Through storytelling, guided imagery and gentle conversation, Gregorio has led me to find the answers and direction that I was seeking and needed. I leave our time together feeling both lighter and more grounded. In the hours, days, and even months afterwards I have always noticed significant changes in how I view the world and my role in it.”

Lisa Newman

Denia, Spain

 

 

"Gregorio transformed the energy of my new skyscraper office, personalized it to resonate with me, creating the uniquely golden space I enjoy being and working in."  

Eli Kramer 

Los Angeles, California 

 

 

"There have been times in my life where my spirit was broken and I needed help. I needed someone to go to. Gregorio provided a safe place for me to be vulnerable, and to heal my spirit. His approach ignited me emotionally and creatively, and helped me discover new parts of my spiritual self."

Cameron W.

Portland, Oregon

 

"Gregorio came to me at a complicated and difficult time in my life, in the wake of a traumatic experience coupled with the grief of losing my grandparents.  His work helped me to grieve, heal and change my life.  Through my experiences with him I discovered the path of my true, authentic self.  I am where I am today because of his support and guidance."

Lillian R.

Astoria, New York

 

 

"I was a 44 year old woman, in pain, in transition, carrying a broken heart and I didn’t want a diagnosis or a pill.  I wanted to be healed from the inside out, completely and honestly.  Gregorio helped me to gradually move away from the chains of the corporate world to move towards where my heart was telling me to. I began to paint again and work with my hands, creating art and gradually healing my broken heart and spirit.  While every journey is different, I do know that my experience working with Gregorio has helped me to see beauty in myself, in others, and in the world around me.  I breathe joy and share joy to those who care to receive it.  And once more, I hear my tender heart beating into this precious place we call life."

Carmen M.

Portland, Oregon

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Recently Gregorio helped me through an extremely low point in my life while I was battling a deep depression and heartache. At this time he made himself available to me via phone whenever I needed someone with which to talk. After each conversation, I felt instantly renewed, stronger, and happier, with a brand new outlook on my life. His guidance at this time was crucial, when I felt I had no one else to turn to." 

Lucas W.

Big Fork, Montana

 

 

"Gregorio is a natural role model.  He brought his knowledge of the spiritual and cultural world to our students. He was able to apply his skills in this area where we needed it most: in personal growth and understanding acceptance and tolerance. Gregorio has won the respect of 70 students by being honest, lively, truthful, compassionate and openhearted."

Cynthia G

Instructor

Portland State University 

 

"The way that FUEGO/Gregorio provides services is different from what young people often expereince going to traditional service centers," says Heather Brown of Outside In.  "They really connect with young people in ways that make them feel seen, heard and respected."

Heather Brown

Program Manager

Outside In

The Spiritual Lessons Of Homelessness

Article New Connexion 

Portland, Oregon

 

 

"It is a blessing to have a mentor so compassionate, caring and filled with wisdom from the ancients.  It is truly Gregorio's mission to keep the old traditions alive and the knowledge circulating through the generations. Through his wisdom and guidance, I feel a window within myself has opened wide. There is a new breeze flowing through my temple, and a bright light beginning to shine within. "

Brooke M.

Glacier Park, Montana

 

"The session that I had with you was interesting and very important to me. I learned a great deal about myself and what I must do to change for the better.  I hope that our path's cross again."

Keith M., Ph.D

Santa Barbara, California

 

"Your genuine and "open hearted" spirit has been a wonderful gift for me.  It has helped me a great deal to have counsel with you during those periods of change in my life.  I found you to be an integral key and support person in my personal development. You do a fantastic job at integrating shamanic practice within the context of the modern world; giving unique persective as a shaman or man of power in the industrial age. Love flows from your heart and I am grateful for this.  You have an open mind and soul.”  

Sky  

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

 

 

"I have known Gregorio for many years. He puts his heart and soul into helping others. Gregorio worked with my daughter and helped a family friend resolve very personal issues.  He was wonderful with my daughter.  He related easily to her and empowered her to overcome her fears.  We are grateful to you Gregorio. Thank you for your compassion and dedication."

Laura S.

Vancouver, Washington

 

 

"I met Gregorio at a time in my life where every single part of my existence was fair game for analysis. Hope, fear, and enormous life changes were presenting themselves to me. I feel so grateful to have had such a friend/guide during this time. Sexual traumas, spiritual disconnect, questioning my relationship with peers and society. Gregorio has helped me find the courage to speak my truths, to be open to the gifts the mother has given me. To realize that happiness is not a place, but a state of being. We have all of the tools for greatness, thank you for showing me how to use them."

Camille C.

Bisbee, Arizona

 

 

"I highly recommend Gregorio's services for shamanic healing and spiritual guidance. He holds a non-judgmental space that gives one the opportunity to explore parts of themselves they would not have otherwise. I look forward to working with him whenever I can." 

Jonathan Howitt

Pacific Computer Group, 

Portland,Oregon

 

 

"The past several years I’ve had opportunities to interact and see Gregorio’s work in action in the community. In 2010, I had an opportunity to work in the capacity of Program Director for a residential project for only Spanish-speaking indigenous youth. I immediately called on Gregorio to work with the youth in this program. I have observed how committed and passionate Gregorio can be when faced with challenges working with high-risk youth and wanting to help them with his knowledge as a Curandero. I truly believe Gregorio is on the correct path and on target to help people become better and healthier human beings."

B. De La Torre

Washington County

Hillsboro, Oregon