As a Psychotherapeutic Reiki practitioner I sometimes attune clients to Reiki so that they can use it for self care and healing in-between sessions. Below is a guide I developed to introduce Reiki and help support them on their journey. Appropriate for therapists who want to attune clients and anyone who wants to develop a Self Reiki practice.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese stress reduction and relaxation technique that promotes healing. REI roughly translates to soul and KI means life force or internal energy. The system of Reiki was initiated at the beginning of the 20th century by Dr. Mikao Usui (1865-1926) and brought to the United States from Japan almost 70 years ago by Mrs. Hawayo Takata. Since that time the practice of Reiki has spread and is now being used in hospitals, clinics and private practices all over the country to facilitate healing, balance and overall wellness.
Reiki is a creative healing art that is typically administered by "laying on hands" however hands can be held just above the body and long distance sessions are also possible and highly effective. Reiki is based on the idea that there is an energetic life force running through us at all times (KI). In other cultures such as China this life force is known as Chi and in India it is known as Prana. When we are sick, hurt, stressed or holding on to unnecessary difficult emotions or core beliefs that no longer serve us, our energy is blocked, unbalanced or depleted. Reiki works with the individual to create awareness, release blocks, restore the natural flow of energy and create balance. In doing so, the individual's body, mind and spirit are able to work together towards their already innate ability to heal, grow and change.
There is growing research into the effectiveness of Reiki in the treatment of injury, illness, emotional unbalance and minimized pain during or after medical procedures. Outcomes include shortened healing time, improved sleep and psychological uplift. Reiki treatments also promote spiritual growth, increase energy and help individuals awaken to their highest potential. In combination with psychotherapy, Reiki supports a regulated and calm nervous system which allows for deeper work to occur.
Reiki Assisted Psychotherapy
While Reiki can be provided as a service separate from psychotherapy (similar to how one would get a massage), it is also highly effective within the context of psychotherapy. As noted above, Reiki helps to achieve a calm and grounded state while cultivating mindful presence in one's body. It is from this place that the most effective healing can occur.
A Reiki Assisted Psychotherapy session pairs talk therapy with Reiki as a way to bring awareness and attention to the mind-body-spirit connection and release blockages related to past traumas and limiting core beliefs. Sessions are based on Dr. Richard Curtin's 5 Psychotherapeutic Reiki tasks of practicing presence, mind-body awareness, self compassion, releasing blocks and installing corrective action.
Please note that therapeutic work within one's energy system is an emerging field and is still exploratory in nature. Reiki Assisted Psychotherapy uses Reiki as a modality to enhance the psychotherapy process by shifting the nervous system into a parasympathetic state allowing for greater access to difficult memories, thoughts and emotions while staying within one's window of tolerance. For more information and research on the effects and mechanisms of action of reiki please visit the Center for Reiki Research
