Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master
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.
Image by Duru…
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?
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Deborah Lloyd
Deborah Lloyd is a Usui and Karuna® Reiki Master and certified holistic therapy practitioner, providing Reiki sessions and training in Asheville, NC. Deborah is the author of two books, 22 Messages from the Archangels; and, Believe and it is True: A Story of Healing and Life Lessons. She is also one of the co-authors of Reiki 101: 101 Answers for Your Reiki Questions. Reach Deborah at http://www.deblloydhealing.com/, deb@deblloydhealing.com and at Deb Lloyd Healing on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/deblloydhealing)
Its always gud to read such experiences of other people, deepens my faith.
What a great article Deborah!! I’m doing things in reverse. I’ve been a Reiki practitioner/master for a number of years, and have nearly completed my Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy and I have full intentions of combing the modalities. I’m so thrilled to read of your success with doing so. Thank you for sharing your experiences with the rest of the world. With love, light and harmony. Tammy xx
Thank you, Muzna and Tammy, for the comments – I appreciate it very much. Tammy, best wishes on your new career path – combining Reiki and other modalities is so powerful – and healing for our clients.
With peace, Deborah
wonderful article – thank you! I’m glad I’m not alone! I’m a gestalt psychotherapist and reiki teacher and I have witnessed tremendous benefits in incorporating reiki into my practice
Jeremy – thanks for your testimonial about incorporating Reiki into your psychotherapy practice. It is a wonderful way to bring loving energy into your work!
Hi there, Deborah and Jeremy. I’m also a Reiki Master who incorporates Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy into my Reiki sessions. I find the power of touch, along with using these other modalities is extremely powerful and loving and effective. Thank you for sharing and I’m glad to see a few people doing this. Big warm hugs. Tammy xxx
Tammy, I appreciate your taking the time to relate your experience. Big warm hugs back to you!
Hello all,
I have been wantimg to incorporate reiki into my psychotherapy session but I’m not sure of how. I think of touch and the legality of possibilities which makes me nervous. Can anyone give me an idea of how they are going about using the reiki before their talk therapy session or during hypnotherapy. I will appreciate any information.
Thank you in advance,
Elizabeth
Hello Elizabeth,
In our mental health clinic, several of us psychotherapists used Reiki within sessions. We developed a Reiki “fact sheet”, which included a basic description of Reiki, where we would place our hands, length of time (10-15 minutes at beginning of session), etc. We also had a brief consent form, to place in our records. The client remains in her chair, and we stood behind them. We placed our hands on heads, neck and shoulders. Usually, we presented the fact sheet one session, so they could think about it, and discuss their thoughts, questions, concerns, the next time we saw them. There were a few times when clients were already familiar with, or even had experienced Reiki, and we were comfortable with them signing the consent and proceeding with Reiki the same day. As I mentioned in the article, what a difference it made!
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Many blessings in your work,
Deborah