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Writer's pictureSamantha Gibb

Reiki-Assisted EMDR: A Holistic Approach to Healing Trauma



Introduction


If you've been through something traumatic, you know how it can affect every part of your being—your mind, your body, and even your spirit. Trauma has a way of leaving its mark in ways we often don’t fully understand. That’s where therapy comes in, helping you process and heal. One method that’s gained a lot of recognition is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR. But what if we could take EMDR a step further by blending it with Reiki, a gentle form of energy healing? Enter Reiki-assisted EMDR, a unique approach that tackles trauma on all levels—mind, body, and spirit.


What’s EMDR, Anyway?


So, what exactly is EMDR? Simply put, it’s a type of therapy that helps you process and heal from traumatic memories. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late ’80s and involves moving your eyes back and forth (or other forms of bilateral stimulation) while recalling distressing events. This process helps your brain reprocess the trauma, making it less intense and more manageable. It’s like taking a scary memory and turning down the volume so it’s not so overwhelming anymore.


And What About Reiki?


Now, let’s talk about Reiki. Reiki is an energy healing practice that originated in Japan. The word "Reiki" combines "rei" (universal) and "ki" (life force energy). Practitioners use gentle hand placements or simply hover their hands over your body to channel energy. The goal? To help you relax, reduce stress, and support your body’s natural healing abilities. Think of it as a way to unblock and balance your energy, helping you feel more at peace.


The Magic of Combining Reiki and EMDR


When you bring Reiki and EMDR together, something pretty amazing happens. Here’s how Reiki-assisted EMDR works:


1. Getting Grounded: Before diving into the EMDR session, we start with some Reiki to help you feel grounded and calm. This can involve gentle touch or just hovering hands, depending on what you’re comfortable with. The idea is to help you enter a relaxed state so you’re ready for the emotional work ahead.


2. Creating a Safe Space: Trauma work can be tough, and it’s normal to feel a bit anxious. Reiki helps create a sense of safety and emotional support during your session. Many people find that it makes the EMDR process feel smoother and less overwhelming.


3. Supporting Your Body’s Healing: Trauma doesn’t just mess with your mind—it can show up in your body too. Reiki helps release tension and stuck energy, supporting a more complete healing process. As you work through traumatic memories with EMDR, Reiki clears the way for deeper healing on a physical level.


4. Bringing It All Together: After your EMDR session, we’ll use Reiki again to help you integrate what you’ve learned and experienced. This helps you feel more balanced and grounded as you wrap up the session, making it easier to carry that sense of calm into your daily life.


Who Should Try Reiki-Assisted EMDR?


Reiki-assisted EMDR might be just what you need if you’re highly sensitive, if talk therapy hasn’t quite worked for you in the past, or if you’re open to spiritual or energetic practices. It’s especially helpful for those who’ve been through complex trauma, where the effects of the trauma are felt in every part of your being.


Wrapping It Up


Reiki-assisted EMDR is more than just therapy—it’s a holistic approach that helps you heal on every level. By combining the strengths of trauma-focused therapy with the calming and balancing effects of Reiki, you get a powerful path to recovery. Whether you’re new to therapy or already familiar with EMDR, adding Reiki into the mix could offer you a deeper, more complete healing experience.


If this sounds like something that resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s explore how Reiki-assisted EMDR can support your journey to wellness.



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