Trauma Informed Reiki
As a trauma-informed Reiki practitioner with over 11 years of experience as a trauma-focused professional therapist and trainer, I use Reiki to locate and release stored trauma within the body. I have a deep understanding of how stress and grief can impact our bodies, often leading to physical, emotional, or spiritual trauma when left untreated.
Trauma is somatically stored in the body and nervous system, impacting various physiological and psychological functions (Levine, 1997). This stored trauma can manifest in various forms, such as emotional, physical, sexual, and generational trauma, often resulting in conditions like (C)PTSD, body dysmorphia, anxiety, and disconnection from the body (van der Kolk, 2014)
Embarking on this healing journey may bring unpredictable reactions from your mind and body, all of which are valid. You’re not required to disclose specific traumas to me.
My commitment is to provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you are in control. We’ll take the time needed to assess your progress before and after each session. Individual Reiki sessions are touch-optional and trauma-informed, with a focus on resilience. I am also able to integrate Reiki Energy Healing into Brainspotting and EMDR Therapy to give a full body and mind healing experience.
The Process
Before the Session
Our journey together begins with our first conversation. I aim to create a safe space for our work together. You’ll be asked to complete an intake form with optional questions to help me understand you better and tailor our sessions to your needs.
Setting the Space
Before we start a session, we’ll chat to address any questions you have, build rapport, and help you relax. You’re welcome to share your intentions for the session as you feel comfortable, and we’ll discuss boundaries for touch. This discussion happens before each session, as your needs may change.
You have full control over the session environment.
You make the choices:
- Whether to lay down or sit in a comfortable chair. I also offer the option of incorporating the Rainbow Chakra Mat into your session.
- Whether to have light, hands-on touch or no touch
- Room environment preferences: lighting, sound, and scent
- Whether to keep your eyes open or closed
- Any other adjustments to ensure your comfort
During
With your consent, we’ll begin the session, which can be paused or stopped at any time for any reason. We will follow the pre-determined comfort guidelines which you are welcome to change at any time. Typically this time feels like a relaxing mediative experiance and lasts around 30-50 minutes.
Conclusion
We’ll conclude with a check-in, allowing you to process and share about the experience if you wish. Additionally, I may share any intuitive insights I’ve received, if you’re interested.
Reiki FAQ
What is Reiki?
Reiki, pronounced “Ray-Key” loosely translates to Universal Life Energy. It is a non-manipulative form of touch therapy, a Japanese form of energy healing and a type of alternative medicine. Reiki practitioners use a technique called palm healing or hands-on healing through which a “universal energy” is transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the patient in order to encourage emotional, energetic, spiritual or physical healing.
What Does Being ‘Trauma Informed’ Mean?
I’m committed to providing a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you’re in control. As a trauma-informed Reiki practitioner, my approach involves understanding and being sensitive to the potential impact of trauma on my clients during our sessions. This means I have knowledge about different types of trauma and how they can manifest. I prioritize creating a safe and comfortable environment for my clients, both physically and emotionally, ensuring they feel secure and supported. I am mindful of boundaries and strive to avoid triggering trauma responses by being careful with my language and actions. I empower my clients to make choices about their healing journey and am culturally sensitive to their unique experiences. Additionally, I prioritize my own self-care and emotional well-being to better support my clients. In essence, being trauma-informed means I approach each client with compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the potential impacts of trauma on their healing process, while creating a safe and empowering space for exploration and healing.
What Happens During a Reiki Session?
During a Reiki session, the practitioner channels energy through the gentle resting of hands on or slightly above the client. The client remains fully clothed. Most people report sensations of heat, tingling, or coolness along with deep relaxation. The benefits of a session include stress reduction, alleviation of physical complaints and a sense of spiritual and emotional well-being. Clients report feeling the energy moving through and around their body during a session. Some will even fall into a deep, relaxed sleep.
How Will I Feel After my Reiki Session?
Once the session is complete, I always encourage clients to drink water. After a Reiki session you may notice your body is more relaxed than before and you may suddenly feel the urge to laugh or cry, those are very normal responses as emotional healing is a large component of Reiki, and you may notice you are more in tune with your emotions and body. You might feel foggy, again, this is completely normal, your body was in a meditative state for around an hour, so give yourself time to adjust and process. Many have reported better sleep after their session as well as heightened epiphanies or ideas flowing to them with more ease.
Are There Any Side Effects from Reiki?
Most of the time a person will feel relaxed and uplifted by a Reiki treatment. However, sometimes a person will have what is called a healing crisis. As a person’s vibration goes up, toxins that have been stored in the body will be released into the blood stream to be filtered by the liver and kidneys and removed from the system. When this happens, sometimes a person can get a headache or stomachache or feel weak. If this happens, it is a good idea to drink more water, eat lighter meals and get more rest. The body is cleansing as part of the healing process, so this is a good sign.
Do You Have to Be Spiritual to Get Reiki?
No, you don’t! Although Reiki energy is spiritual in nature, Reiki is not a religion. Practitioners are not asking anyone to change any religious or spiritual beliefs they may have. They are free to continue believing anything they choose and are encouraged to make their own decisions concerning the nature of their religious practices. Reiki is non-discriminatory towards religious practices, and anyone is welcome to get it done.
How Long Does a Session Last?
It varies depending on each person but typically it can last between 30-50 minutes.
Is Reiki Covered by Insurance?
This is something you need to check with your insurance about. Many insurance
companies are recognizing Reiki healing as a complementary form of medicine. And will cover it if it is included in a treatment plan. I do not bill directly through insurance. But I can provide an invoice for your Reiki session, for you to submit to your insurance company.
Are There Any Location Issues with Distance Reiki?
Nope, you really can be anywhere.
I am in the Central Time Zone and will use that to book our appointments. But don’t worry if we are many time zones apart. You can be asleep while I do the work!
How Often Should I Get Reiki?
This varies from person to person. Some people may need just one or two to clear the energy. Then they can do maintenance sessions every couple months. Some may require 6 or more sessions before they reach a maintenance point. You will know by how you are feeling between sessions.
What is your training?
I am a Certified Reiki 1 & 2 Practitioner.
Lauren Auer makes no claims to diagnose, heal, or treat any medical conditions. Although Reiki has shown positive effects for numerous individuals, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. There are no assurances or implications of a specific outcome.
I am currently only booking limited clients for Reiki. If you would like to inquire about scheduling a session, please fill out my contact form .
Does that have to be done in office only?
no! it can be done virtually as well!