Reiki was first introduced to me by a colleague, another psychotherapist in a mental health clinic, over 13 years ago. When she was hired, she asked if she’d be able to incorporate Reiki into therapy sessions. Much to our surprise, the answer was “yes.” The insurance companies, and our agency’s administration, saw it simply as another relaxation technique, like deep breathing exercises or guided imagery. She could use it for the first 10-15 minutes, followed by talk therapy.

All of us loved hearing about the progress of her clients, and some amazing events, during her sessions. Soon, most of us learned Reiki and incorporated it into our work. Here is a brief synopsis of some of our experiences:

Clients relaxed immediately. With anxiety and stress decreased, they were able to approach serious issues quicker.
Clients were more open to therapists’ suggestions.
Explaining Reiki became a way to explore clients’ spiritual belief systems.
Clients accepted responsibility for choices – both good and not-so-good.
Past memories resurfaced.
Abused children were able to draw, or write, about their abuse without fear.
In family therapy, tensions between family members decreased significantly.
Clients became more hopeful that things could really change.
And, the list went on…..and on…..and on….

For clients who did not wish to receive Reiki at the beginning the session, the therapist could still utilize its energies. It had been an old practice of mine to say a prayer before every session – for my client’s potential to develop understanding and grow; and for the therapist (me) to have guidance for everything I said.

But when I added Reiki to that practice, whoa!! Another level of peace and guidance came into my work. In the mornings, I’d send Reiki to my entire workday. When I had a few minutes of “alone” time, I’d send Reiki to each individual session. In my 10 minutes between sessions (along with getting water, tea, and using the bathroom), I’d say a quick prayer and ask Reiki to join us. As Reiki helped me to find calmness, I became a more effective therapist.

What I learned in this work situation is certainly not limited to the world of psychotherapy. If each Reiki practitioner sent Reiki to his/her workday, we’d have a different world! Can you imagine it?

(This blog first appeared as an article on www.reikirays.com.)

 

 

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