In Good Hands: Valentina Cortés Barros 🐳🩵

Editor’s Note from Sally 💌

Meeting Val in person for the first time felt too familiar... like remembering an old friend I'd always known. Through Elly’s introduction, I had the joy of co-hosting an event with both Elly and Val, weaving sound and touch into one shared field.

Even before meeting Val, I could strongly feel her warmth and charisma that somehow traveled through screens and messages. I’d heard about her incredibly healing massages and couldn’t wait to experience her touch in person.

During our “All the Feels” event, when Elly and Val combined sound and touch, something intensely moved through me — a shift and release that words couldn’t quite contain. I spent the next few days simply, quietly integrating what had happened.

I feel grateful to have experienced her healing and the lingering light of her bright smile. Thank you, Val, for what you do and for what you so generously share with all of us. 🤍

Intro & Interview by Rich Awn

To describe someone in terms of "awake" or even "enlightened” often elicits skepticism or outright denial. An attempt to describe anyone else’s state of inner being must be conjecture on the part of the observer — only the subject knows where they’re truly at, wordlessly existing in the vapor of inner being. That is, unless that “walking samadhi” state beams through in the form of a contagious smile, a warm embrace, and a massage given with healing hands.

Such is the case with our subject and newest member of the Whaleness Club, Valentina Cortés Barros. Having recently joined us for October’s installment of “The Unstruck Thing,” a collaboration involving sound healing and meditation with Elly Kace, Valentina added another layer of depth through her unique healing modality of touch.

I can say firsthand that this combination of sound, breath, and touch could be felt days and even weeks after the event. This interview was conducted in the week leading up to experiencing her massage but it was though her touch that I understood her story fully.

It’s our pleasure to present Valentina, the story of a divinely inspired healer told in her own words. 🐳

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Richie: Thank you so much for joining us, Valentina. I’ve heard legends about you—divinity, purpose, miracles! 

Valentina: Thank you for having me! I’m already feeling emotional before we even start. It’s not fair! 

Richie: Before we dive deeper, let’s rewind a bit. I’d love to hear about your earliest memories—those around seven years old, when we all start to become self-aware. Do you feel that little version of yourself still connects with who you are now?

Valentina: Definitely! I think that inner child was always there, but I didn’t really believe in it. I come from a non-religious family. In Colombia, most people are raised religious and then start to question, but for me, it was the opposite. My mom didn’t believe in anything, while my dad loved discussing philosophy, so everything was about ideas and rationality—very intellectual. Emotions were often dismissed as just brain activity.

I went to a Catholic school and did my first communion, but it felt more social than spiritual. Still, I had these strange thoughts as a kid. Once, while playing with Barbies, I thought, “If I can control them, maybe someone is controlling me.” I wanted to throw them all away! My mom suggested I keep the collection, while my dad encouraged me to know their stories. It was always about rationalizing things. But there are some experiences you just can’t explain.

Richie: Did that intellectual upbringing shape your beliefs today? Do you still rely on discourse to make sense of your experiences? With your parents being intellectuals—your mom’s a judge, and your dad’s a prolific author—how does that influence you?

Valentina: Yes, my dad has written around 30 books, often questioning the existence of something greater. Now, my perspective is more autonomous. Initially, I approached science with skepticism, but then I realized that if you dive deep enough, you discover spirituality and divinity. For a long time, I tried to rationalize my feelings until I reached a moment of total surrender. That’s how I’d describe my current mindset.

Richie: So, after Catholic school, as you entered university, did your heart start to open? Were there any pivotal moments in early adulthood that set you on this path? 

Valentina: Yes, it did lead me here, but it wasn’t a conscious journey at first. My physical changes began when I was twelve—beyond “cute,” more like “porn-star” level. At 13, I had a reduction; they removed two kilos. It was painful, and I felt out of place while everyone else was having pool parties. I started hanging out with older crowds and began drinking early.

Looking back, I can say I struggled with addiction. Even in university, I found it hard to socialize. I couldn’t just have one drink; I’d black out. Addiction is complex—I’d forget the night, and then shame and embarrassment would set in. I wasn’t spiritual back then, but a friend recently told me she always saw me as someone kind and joyful—maybe spirituality is just how we show up, not a label.

Richie: With all that—religious schooling, intellectual confines, and being objectified so young—you seemed to isolate yourself and used alcohol to numb your self-consciousness. When did you stop drinking? Was there a hard stop? Do you still drink?

Valentina: Now, I can have a drink, but it’s not a priority. Honestly, I feel high on life most of the time—so much joy and gratitude that I don’t need substances. I’ve always been extroverted and charismatic, but before, it was clouded with pain and anger. Alcohol only amplified the worst parts of me.

Physical pain reflected emotional pain, creating a vicious cycle: pain → no sleep → irritability → damaged relationships → guilt → more pain. While alcohol wasn’t the root cause, it definitely magnified everything. I started training hard; discipline became my ally. But progress isn’t always linear. 

After a year of training in Bogotá, I visited family, blacked out again, and felt like I was back at square one. The difference this time was that I knew how to recover better. Gradually, I felt freer. Distractions no longer had the same hold on me.

Richie: You mentioned physical pain and a newly discovered connection to spirit. Did this connection change your understanding of pain and healing?

Valentina: Absolutely! We often ignore our inner issues because we’re just surviving in a material world, always in fight-or-flight mode, identified with ego. Once you catch a glimpse of the real issue, you can’t go back. It’s challenging to recognize that pain is linked to trauma or our learned personalities, but once you see it, you must unravel it.

📸 skin inflammation during healing journey | Valentina Cortés Barros

I spent years visiting doctors for various issues—dermatologist for rashes, neurologist for sleep, specialists for back pain. Six years ago, one doctor finally explained what was happening in my brain and reassured me, “You’re not crazy.” Chronic pain was affecting my relationships. She created a holistic plan for me—combining psychiatry, infusions, and basics like nutrition, movement, and positive thoughts. That’s when my healing truly began. We are what we eat and think. It sounds simple, but it requires discipline. I started yoga, left toxic environments, and practiced discernment.

A renewed connection to spirit and myself became part of my healing journey. I’m a strong advocate for this kind of connection—with proper integration. My friend Caro and I host yoga retreats in Colombia. We went to Buritaca near Santa Marta—pure paradise. This year, Caro brought Stacey, a therapist from Montana who discovered her own connection to spirit in her 40s. She described this experience as “therapy on steroids,” but emphasized the importance of integration.

📸 Valentina Cortés Barros

Richie: What was your experience like?

Valentina: It was very professional—there were protocols, fasting, and group work. During the experience, I first felt this playful joy, as if my innermost voices were saying, “I’ll show you who you are.” Someone mentioned that deep inside you, you carry the energy of yourself as a child—playful and curious.

After focusing more inwardly, the experience deepened. I felt waves of others’ emotions passing through me—grief, anxiety, sorrow, joy, laughter. I’ve always been empathetic, but my connection to spirit magnified that and taught me to trust my perceptions.

I realized that the clarity I’ve had my whole life was divinity speaking through intuition. I had been ignoring my gut for so long.

Richie: I can relate to that—feeling connected, tuned in, and open to the universe’s messages. How do you apply this awareness in your daily life? How has it changed your day-to-day experiences?

Valentina: Many people think spirituality is separate from our material lives, but I see it as a guiding force that helps me navigate daily life better. I’m very grounded—Virgo energy. The day after the ceremony, I went straight to work (I work remotely) and felt clearer and more joyful. We’re here to enjoy what we do—whether you’re a doctor, engineer, or cleaning floors—without suffering.

The experience I mentioned wasn’t my first awakening; it was more of a confirmation. I’ve been on a long journey of self-discovery—working on relationships, my body, and trauma. A mentor once told me: “You’re doing the work, but the thread that makes it perfect is spirituality.” Now, it’s always present. I’m even grateful for the inconveniences and obstacles—they push us to evolve. Joy is a choice, but growth requires hardship.

Richie: That’s beautiful. Last question—what do you call your work? Is it massage therapy? Bodywork? It seems like your physical interactions with people are an elevated way to share your gifts without words—entering their energetic field. What is that experience like for you, and for them?

Valentina: I feel incredibly welcomed and loved. For a long time, I joked that my love language was massage—I loved receiving it, especially when dealing with inflammation and pain. Years ago, I met a physiotherapist in a magical way; he worked with me for years and once told me, “You have healing hands.” I didn’t believe it then, but now I’m realizing I feel called to touch people. He reminded me, “I told you that seven years ago!”

When I touch someone, it’s an act of total devotion—clear communication that transcends ego.

Sometimes, I get goosebumps; other times, people cry. Even if they’re not ready to share, something still releases—like a client who told me they spent two days in the bathroom after a session. The release depends on their awareness and willingness to receive.

Everyone deserves love and compassion. Touch is a beautiful gift that heals—like a warm hug when you feel alone.

During a session, I pour all my love through my hands. It isn’t just “me”—it’s the divine within me connecting with the divine within them.

People often say they feel seen by me. I work on areas no one usually touches—the unnoticed details, like behind the ear. Somatic stimulation matters; we often overlook it. I wish I could touch everyone, and I hope those I do touch feel loved—because we all deserve that.

Richie: Valentina, thank you for this incredible conversation—your love, wisdom, and insights are truly gifts.

Valentina: Thank you, Richard! Our dialogue has been healing. Just chatting with you makes me feel it!

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Outro by Rich Awn

My conversation with Valentina left us both filled with emotions, shared empathy, and excitement for our journeys ahead. What resonates most with me about her story is how clearly she realizes the truth and fearlessly pursues it. She says, “Joy is a choice, but growth requires hardship.” 

This simple turn of phrase summarizes an entire lifetime of inward inquiry. I physically felt this profound simplicity through her touch, her voice, and calm presence. Valentina is an intuitive healer who possesses a palpable gift and if you have the chance to experience it, you should.

Check out her Instagram and message her directly for bookings @valintouch

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Rich Awn

Edits by Sally Choi