Guiding Lost Spirits On Options

I have been able to journey successfully for a long time but I often find it hard recognising spirits (other than simply feeling their presence), and I have absolutely no idea about how I would guide them on peacefully to where they belong. I feel some trapped spirits have attached themselves to me and family members, causing anxiety, negative emotions, fatigue and general low health - they have also caused all my recent journeys to take on a very negative vibe.

Last week I attempted to "banish" these spirits, not knowing that this would cause them harm and offence, and make my situation worse. I ended the night covered in bruises, shaking, feeling drained mentally, physically and spiritually, and very empty and cold.

This time I'd like to take the more appropriate peaceful approach of the shaman, to guide the spirits on to a better place, or - if they do not want to leave, to show them that I mean no harm and that they are harming me and my family.

Does anyone have any techniques that would help me? Should I offer something to the spirits? Communicate with them verbally - or simply inside my head? How do I know if there is just one or if there are multiple spirits? And how do I know where their rightful home is?

Thanks a ton in advance (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I was reading something recently that seems relevant...the author talked about how spirits create fears for the shamans to overcome, then when they are overcome or the lesson is learned they become allies of the shaman.

I think this might be an idea. It did create particular fears and brought up some problems I have in my life, though these are huge problems I have faced my whole life and cannot see how I will get over any time soon.. I guess I can try though.