From Handcuffs to Healing: Alain Lagger’s Journey of Compassion and Transformation

How a Former Police Officer Turned Spiritual Coach is Bridging Divides and Inspiring Connection Worldwide

In the lush jungles of Costa Rica, Alain Lagger—once a police officer patrolling the streets of Amsterdam—now dedicates his life to healing and fostering deep human connections. His remarkable journey from law enforcement to spiritual guidance is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of ancient wisdom.

A Pivotal Youth Experience

Born and raised near Amsterdam, Alain’s teenage years were turbulent. At 14, a brush with the law profoundly altered his trajectory. Spending a night in a cell, deprived of connection and freedom, awakened a desire to never return to such a place. By 16, Alain had joined a youth surveillance team under the mentorship of an inspiring police detective, Rob Rot. This opportunity gave him a chance not only to rehabilitate but also to step into a role of service, working the front desk at a local police station and eventually entering the police academy.

Life as a Police Officer

By 17, Alain was patrolling Amsterdam’s underbelly, witnessing the shadow side of humanity. While he embraced the role, connecting deeply with people across all walks of life, the weight of the job was immense. Seven years into his career, Alain faced a life-altering moment. Responding to a life-or-death call, he drew his gun on an assailant but experienced a spiritual awakening at the pivotal moment. Both he and the man in front of him entered a state of profound clarity, resulting in a miraculous outcome—no shots fired, and both men transformed. This event prompted Alain to leave the force the very next day.

The Transformative Power of Ayahuasca and Ancient Medicines

Alain’s departure from law enforcement marked the beginning of a deep personal healing journey, one that would eventually lead him to the wisdom of ancient plant medicines. Struggling with PTSD and the residual effects of years of high-stakes work, Alain sought holistic methods to heal himself and rediscover his purpose.

His path brought him to ayahuasca, a sacred Amazonian brew known for its transformative and introspective qualities. The medicine opened him to a deeper understanding of himself and the interconnectedness of life. “In those ceremonies, I found clarity and healing that I never thought possible,” Alain shares. “Ayahuasca stripped away the layers of fear, guilt, and societal conditioning, allowing me to connect with my true essence.”

Over time, Alain also worked with other ancient healing practices, including San Pedro, breathwork, and meditation. These modalities deepened his spiritual insights and profoundly influenced his approach to life. He learned to embody compassion, not just for others, but for himself—a foundational shift that now informs his work as a healing coach.

Brave Earth: A Hub for Healing and Connection

At Brave Earth, a retreat center and community in Costa Rica, Alain leads workshops that deepen participants’ connections to themselves and the world around them. Ancient plant medicines, such as ayahuasca, play an integral role in Brave Earth’s offerings, facilitated by world-renowned shamans who hold sacred space for profound healing experiences. These ceremonies not only honor indigenous traditions but also guide participants toward transformative self-discovery, a philosophy deeply aligned with Alain’s life work.

Healing the Self to Heal Others

As a self-described “Compassion Coach,” Alain helps individuals and groups uncover hidden parts of themselves through intuitive listening and reflection. Whether working with prisoners, CEOs, or communities, Alain emphasizes the universal human desire for connection and love. Through workshops and one-on-one coaching, he creates spaces where participants can open themselves to self-compassion, reframe limiting beliefs, and recognize their potential to create new realities.

Ayahuasca and other sacred medicines remain central to his approach, not as tools he directly employs with clients, but as practices that inform his philosophy. “These medicines taught me that true healing comes from within,” he explains. “My role is to guide people to access that inner wisdom and reclaim their power.”

Spreading Compassion

Alain’s ability to connect deeply with people from all walks of life is rooted in his belief that shared

humanity transcends societal labels. His work in prisons exemplifies this approach. Sharing his story, Alain builds trust with inmates by showing them that he, too, has walked a complex path. His sessions culminate in moments of shared humanity and mutual respect, creating an open state where transformative healing can occur.

“Even in a physical prison,” he says, “one can experience freedom through the mind and heart. That freedom begins with compassion—for ourselves and others.”

The Takeaway

Alain’s journey from law enforcement to healing coach, and his work with ancient medicines like ayahuasca, reflect a profound commitment to self-discovery and service. These sacred practices have shaped his understanding of life as a journey of connection, love, and compassion.

Whether facilitating transformative workshops at Brave Earth, guiding individuals toward self-awareness, or advocating for the power of compassion in prisons, Alain’s mission is clear: to inspire others to see beyond societal roles and divisions and embrace the shared humanity that unites us all.

Connect with Alain

To learn more about Alain’s workshops, speaking engagements, and ongoing projects, visit alainlagger.com or follow him on Instagram at @alainlagger. His work at Brave Earth in Costa Rica offers opportunities for deeper engagement, and his initiatives in prisons and beyond are funded in part by donations. If you feel moved to support these transformative efforts, links to contribute are available on his website.