FAQs

Reiki is an energy healing tradition from Japan that is considered Complementary and Alternative Medicine. If you’re wondering if Reiki is “woo woo,” the short answer is yes! Reiki works with our life force (also known as chi, or prana), which is not widely accepted by Western medicine. The longer answer is that Western science is developing a knowledge base around this concept (particularly in the field of biophysics), and hopefully it will earn the credibility it deserves someday soon.

We often use the term “woo woo” or “spiritual” to refer to a felt (or somatic) sense of connectedness to all life. Unfortunately, this type of experience has a history of being exploited to manipulate and abuse in religious and new age communities. For this reason, I am particularly conscientious and intentional in my use of Reiki. I use Reiki in service of clients’ therapy goals, particularly in supporting nervous system regulation and recovery from trauma. My approach is trauma informed and consistent with my professional ethics. Client safety and informed consent are my utmost priority.