[lifelesstraveled]

I was considering Reiki in conjunction with therapy. Does anyone have any experience with this???

Teacher T did energy work with me....which I think is similar to Reiki. It honestly seemed really healing...

[chaotic13]

This summer I met a Reiki practitioner who tried to explain how it worked to me. Honestly I didn't get the movement of energy thing. It sounded to me like a combination of meditation, prayer healing, and...non-contact massage (??? not sure how to describe the movement of hands close to the body but not touching it).

If you are looking for more information on this and other treatments, I would recommend browsing the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. It is associated with the National Institute of Health.

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/reiki/

[pachyderm]

Originally Posted by chaotic13

This summer I met a Reiki practitioner who tried to explain how it worked to me. Honestly I didn't get the movement of energy thing.

I think sometimes the explanations of things like this have the sound of some kind of new-age with-it-ness, an attempt to make sound "scientific" something which they do not understand -- and that may do a disservice to the reality of the process.

[chaotic13]

Originally Posted by pachyderm

I think sometimes the explanations of things like this have the sound of some kind of new-age with-it-ness, an attempt to make sound "scientific" something which they do not understand -- and that may do a disservice to the reality of the process.

Pachy... I agree to explain this treatment in terms of physiological benefits would be difficult. However, there are ways to demonstrate efficacy without really saying "how" the benefits are achieved. For example there have been some controlled scientific studies on the effectiveness of prayer in improving healing rates or one some outcome variable. In these studies, they didn't really attempt to determine HOW prayer worked, they just randomly assigned patients to either a prayer group or a control group and compared them at various points. In one of these studies was even used double-blinding to improve the validity. In the cardiac study I am thinking of the researchers found that the prayer group demonstrated significant improvement in the variables assessed over the control group.

These alternative therapies can be studied and should be studied at least in some way. Maybe science can't determine why they work, but having something other than anecdotal evidence would be nice. Maybe I'm just cheap and don't want to spend the $60.

[Rhapsody]

Originally Posted by lifelesstraveled

I was considering Reiki in conjunction with therapy. Does anyone have any experience with this???

While I have never taken part in this kind of healing I did come across its teachings when I was researching energy healing as a means to move the negative along that is stuck with in our bodies when we hold onto the wounded past.... and I considered it, but was unable to locate a place near me.

I did how ever find a book that works great in helping one move negative energy - you can check it out in the ratings section under books..... called: Feelings Buried Alive Never Die.

[searchingmysoul]

Originally Posted by lifelesstraveled

I was considering Reiki in conjunction with therapy. Does anyone have any experience with this???

Lifelesstraveled-

I went to reiki for the first time last week at the suggestion of my T. So, while I have only been to 1 appt, I can say that I am trying it out...

My T suggested it because I had become really stuck in therapy, not talking, unwilling to bring things to light, etc. From what I have read, it seems as though it can be helpful to help cleanse negative feelings and help move them out thereby facilitating more productive therapy. At this point I don't have anything to lose...

I would definitely be interested to hear about what you experience if you decide to go.

[sittingatwatersedge]

Originally Posted by searchingmysoul

Lifelesstraveled-

I went to reiki for the first time last week at the suggestion of my T. So, while I have only been to 1 appt, I can say that I am trying it out...

My T suggested it because I had become really stuck in therapy, not talking, unwilling to bring things to light, etc. From what I have read, it seems as though it can be helpful to help cleanse negative feelings and help move them out thereby facilitating more productive therapy. At this point I don't have anything to lose...

I would definitely be interested to hear about what you experience if you decide to go.

hi there,
have you had another appt by now? Would you be OK with sharing what goes on and how you like/don;t like it? thanks!

[lifelesstraveled]

Thanks for all the great replies, I have been reading them all---sorry I haven't really been responding. I feel like I am at a huge loss for words right now (i can't even find the words to write in my journal---i feel so blank and blah).

I have been searching for Reiki places near me (thanks chaotic for that link). I think I am still going to do some thinking on this. I don't know if I wanted to spend the amount of money on this just yet. Maybe once or twice a month, IF I do decide to try it out. Plus I never do anything for MYSELF (I always do for others)...now I just have to talk myself into believing that it's okay to do something for myself.

Anyways, thanks for all of your help and advice. It's very much appreciated.

Searching...have you had a second appt yet? I would love to know how it went. How was your first appt? What was it like?

[chaotic13]

Originally Posted by lifelesstraveled

I never do anything for MYSELF (I always do for others)...now I just have to talk myself into believing that it's okay to do something for myself.

Well, regardless of the lack of evidence regarding what the treatment actually does....I recommend that you budget for it and DO IT. You will benefit just by doing something to nurture yourself. If you decide to do Reiki, massage, walk in the park, movies, meditate...whatever... taking an hour to do SOMETHING that is strictly for your own "selfish" benefit is a good idea. We are not likely to risk becoming totally self-centered and inconsiderate of others (although those around us may try and make us feel that way).

I am I good at preaching or what...not so good at following my own directive. We just have to sell ourselves on the fact that helping ourselves ultimately helps others around us.

[lifelesstraveled]

how in the world do you quote on this thing???? I must be really slow!!!

Thanks Chaotic. Everytime I do something for myself, which is RARE, i am racked with guilt. Last time i did something for myself---i went on a mini shopping spree---my car broke down 3 days later...LITERALLY and i ended up spending $$$$$$ to fix it and REGRETTED that I'd went shopping. I have a BF who seems to NEVER have money to last til his next paycheck and comes to me for money just before his payday...conicidentally enuff he calls when I get paid....i know i need to stop taking care of him and let him figure things out on his own...I am very much aware it's a codependent relationship--- though my T has yet to dx with this or anything else (and I dont want to know either).

Also, I am good at preaching, but not following my own advice. --Ur not the only one

I think I will give Reiki a shot and see how the first appt is. I am really waiting on Searching's take on Reiki....

[pachyderm]

Originally Posted by lifelesstraveled

how in the world do you quote on this thing???? I must be really slow!!!

To quote the entire message just hit Reply.

You can edit the parts you quote by removing parts, as I did here, that are between the {quote} and {/quote} text [except that I replaced the [] by {} so it would not quote that!].

You can quote pieces by including them within the quote brackets, ending with the /quote bracket. Preview your reply to see what it will look like before posting.

Hi, Yes I have tried Reiki. Although I didnt find it miraculous, I did it find it relaxing, which in itself must be a good thing. Anything that may help cant be bad I say.... Go for it!! Good luck

[lifelesstraveled]

Originally Posted by pachyderm

To quote the entire message just hit Reply.

You can edit the parts you quote by removing parts, as I did here, that are between the {quote} and {/quote} text [except that I replaced the [] by {} so it would not quote that!].

You can quote pieces by including them within the quote brackets, ending with the /quote bracket. Preview your reply to see what it will look like before posting.

Thanks pachy! guess I am really slow LOL ...i couldnt figure out how to quote pieces....im a dummy

[chaotic13]

I just wanted to add to pachy's post and say if you want to add quotes from more than one post you can select and copy the text you want then past it. Then put the QUOTE and /QUOTE tags with [] at the beginning and end.

If your in the Quick Reply window just click the Go Advance button to open the text window that displays the other posts at the bottom of the page.

IMO, quoting from a mobile device a real pain.

[searchingmysoul]

Originally Posted by sittingatwatersedge

hi there,
have you had another appt by now? Would you be OK with sharing what goes on and how you like/don;t like it? thanks!

Originally Posted by lifelesstraveled

Searching...have you had a second appt yet? I would love to know how it went. How was your first appt? What was it like?

Sitting and Lifelesstraveled

I have my second appt tomorrow afternoon and will gladly share about it after I have it.

As for my experience with the first one- I found it very vulnerable to go. Mostly because I am going for an expressed purpose of relaeasing emotionally stuck things. I was scared to have things come up that I was not prepared to deal with. Most of my fears were unfounded. (I did have a body memory surface. I only realized a couple of days ago what it was and what the memory pertained to when I read more about the use of reiki with psychotherapy. At the time of the treatment when it happened I thought "that was wierd" but didn't focus more on it.)

The practitioner I saw was very comforting and soothing. I did find it difficult to relax and go into it at first but that was easier over the course of the treatment. The practitioner talked about how I may feel as if I am asleep but not asleep or feel as if I am in a deep trance- I don't know if I felt either of those things. I did eventually feel very relaxed and began to have images in my mind, much like one would before falling asleep, like loose associations in image- if that makes sense.

The practitioner explained that anything I was feeling or my body needed would would be enhanced after the session. I found that to be true. For example I was extremely thirsty after but I had only been a touch dehydrated before. As well, my emotional state was more pronounced. I was feeling more of all that I had been feeling previously. Everything felt more at the surface.

I didn't really have a good sense of a before and after as there was not a huge shift...I was already feeling pretty crappy when I went so it felt more like a magnification of what was already going on...

I will be sure to let you know about the treatment I get tomorrow and what I notice before and after...

I hope this is helpful

~Searching

[lifelesstraveled]

Originally Posted by searchingmysoul

Sitting and Lifelesstraveled

I have my second appt tomorrow afternoon and will gladly share about it after I have it.

As for my experience with the first one- I found it very vulnerable to go. Mostly because I am going for an expressed purpose of relaeasing emotionally stuck things. I was scared to have things come up that I was not prepared to deal with. Most of my fears were unfounded. (I did have a body memory surface. I only realized a couple of days ago what it was and what the memory pertained to when I read more about the use of reiki with psychotherapy. At the time of the treatment when it happened I thought "that was wierd" but didn't focus more on it.)

The practitioner I saw was very comforting and soothing. I did find it difficult to relax and go into it at first but that was easier over the course of the treatment. The practitioner talked about how I may feel as if I am asleep but not asleep or feel as if I am in a deep trance- I don't know if I felt either of those things. I did eventually feel very relaxed and began to have images in my mind, much like one would before falling asleep, like loose associations in image- if that makes sense.

The practitioner explained that anything I was feeling or my body needed would would be enhanced after the session. I found that to be true. For example I was extremely thirsty after but I had only been a touch dehydrated before. As well, my emotional state was more pronounced. I was feeling more of all that I had been feeling previously. Everything felt more at the surface.

I didn't really have a good sense of a before and after as there was not a huge shift...I was already feeling pretty crappy when I went so it felt more like a magnification of what was already going on...

I will be sure to let you know about the treatment I get tomorrow and what I notice before and after...

I hope this is helpful

~Searching

Searching, thanks for telling us about your experience! This sounds very interesting and is something I am highly considering now. Thanks!

[the final coda]

Originally Posted by lifelesstraveled

Searching, thanks for telling us about your experience! This sounds very interesting and is something I am highly considering now. Thanks!

Hi, I'm new here, this thread actually inspired me to sign up and comment I'm a clinical psych grad student in the midst of training, so I won't recommend anything to you besides some healthy skepticism. I couldn't help but suggest that you take a look at Reiki or other "energy based treatment" paradigms offered up by the alt. med. industry with much caution and skepticism. There is no decent, quality empirical support for these treatments, which follows logically since the theoretical basis for their interventions are nonsensical and blatantly contrary to what we do know about physiology and what we know about the physics of "energy". Benefits are likely very short term and due to other factors associated with the experience: placebo, relaxation, having attention paid to you, confirmation biases and so on. Such is the case with acupuncture, which is another "energy" manipulation therapy.

For more info on NCCAM, or at least a different perspective, you might take a look at the blog: respectful insolence, and search NCCAM. There's quite a bit of commentary out there about the controversial department, so don't just take the websites information at face value.

At the very least, consider both sides, and don't part with your money or time too easily! I wish you all the best

[pachyderm]

Far-out and even false explanations of things do not necessarily mean the things themselves do not work.

[lifelesstraveled]

Originally Posted by the final coda

Hi, I'm new here, this thread actually inspired me to sign up and comment I'm a clinical psych grad student in the midst of training, so I won't recommend anything to you besides some healthy skepticism. I couldn't help but suggest that you take a look at Reiki or other "energy based treatment" paradigms offered up by the alt. med. industry with much caution and skepticism. There is no decent, quality empirical support for these treatments, which follows logically since the theoretical basis for their interventions are nonsensical and blatantly contrary to what we do know about physiology and what we know about the physics of "energy". Benefits are likely very short term and due to other factors associated with the experience: placebo, relaxation, having attention paid to you, confirmation biases and so on. Such is the case with acupuncture, which is another "energy" manipulation therapy.

For more info on NCCAM, or at least a different perspective, you might take a look at the blog: respectful insolence, and search NCCAM. There's quite a bit of commentary out there about the controversial department, so don't just take the websites information at face value.

At the very least, consider both sides, and don't part with your money or time too easily! I wish you all the best

Thanks! TFC, I am not really looking for anything magical or miraculous to happen if I decide to try Reiki out. Actually, relaxation and having attention paid to ME is most important for me and if another benefit is added to that list, then all the better, right? My T suggests I find ways to relax since my anxiety levels are always around 7 or 8. And, I am taking words of wisdom from those here on PC who advise that I do more for myself--since i RARELY do.

As far as looking at different perspectives-- I am sure my experience will be unique to anyone who tries Reiki on for size, so I am not only taking Searching's experience/perspective on things. I am also not really into the whole "scientific" or logical side of it--that's what seeing my T and meds(when/if I start taking them) are for, though your perspective is appreciated. I think I need something more spiritually based--not religious-- that I can do and will enjoy on a regular basis.

I also don't see any harm in trying it at least once or twice...

Far-out and even false explanations of things do not necessarily mean the things themselves do not work.

Pachy,Thanks!

[chaotic13]

The final coda,
I share your healthy skepticism regarding this treatment modality. However, in being an evidence-based practitioner I have to recognize that simple lack of evidence does not necessarily mean that the treatment is worthless. I think if you look at the clinical psychology research on any given "standard" treatment approach...you will likely find...that there is is a lack of quality empirical support for these many of these treatments. There may not be clear indications (physiological or psychological changes changes) for this "treatment" but there may be some benefits that can be gained even if just a placebo effect.

[searchingmysoul]

Originally Posted by the final coda

Hi, I'm new here, this thread actually inspired me to sign up and comment I'm a clinical psych grad student in the midst of training, so I won't recommend anything to you besides some healthy skepticism. I couldn't help but suggest that you take a look at Reiki or other "energy based treatment" paradigms offered up by the alt. med. industry with much caution and skepticism. There is no decent, quality empirical support for these treatments, which follows logically since the theoretical basis for their interventions are nonsensical and blatantly contrary to what we do know about physiology and what we know about the physics of "energy". Benefits are likely very short term and due to other factors associated with the experience: placebo, relaxation, having attention paid to you, confirmation biases and so on. Such is the case with acupuncture, which is another "energy" manipulation therapy.

For more info on NCCAM, or at least a different perspective, you might take a look at the blog: respectful insolence, and search NCCAM. There's quite a bit of commentary out there about the controversial department, so don't just take the websites information at face value.

At the very least, consider both sides, and don't part with your money or time too easily! I wish you all the best

Honestly, I too was skeptical to try Reiki in addition to my therapy. I still am, to be frank. But really, if all I get out of it is some quiet time, attention paid to me, and relaxation (much like I would a massage or acupuncture or a pedicure) then so be it. In my opinion all those benefits still constitute the adventure as "money well spent" and, at this point, I don't have anything to lose. Really. Because my emotional state sucks so checking out into a quiet and nuturing space isn't such a bad thing.

Therapy is an individual process. So with that in mind my personal opinion is to each their own and for all I wish the ability and opportunity to find healing in whichever way they choose. And if one so chooses to try hyponotherapy, CBT, acupuncture, or standing on thier head, or yoga in addition to, or even in leiu of, traditional talk therapy, then more power to them. Because there is no "one size fits all" to this gig.

Thanks for chiming in the final coda- it helped me to discern better the point of me continuing to try out something different.

~Searching

[the final coda]

All points well taken. I certainly agree that there are problems with trying to adhere to EBT as the field and movement towards EBT is pretty new, so specifically, there is a simple lack of EB treatments for many presentations, but there are some. Further, the validity of the diagnostic categories themselves, problems with applying protocols developed on "pure" cases to real world cases, and for numerous other reasons, I recognize that the position currently has its limitations. But I think it is still an important movement within the field, and is something that should ultimately be embraced because it means better, more refined treatment, and accountability to ensure that effective, efficient treatments are utilized when available. To me, its an ethical issue. You don't want to waste peoples time, money, or prolong distress in any way, and the best way to make sure your not doing those things is to utilize treatments and strategies shown to be the most effective through some systematic demonstration of its efficacy.

I've seen statements to the effect of 'just because there is no evidence or plausable mechanism by which an intervention might work, doesn't mean it doesn't work.' This is absolutely the case, and I think this is the scientifically minded, skeptical viewpoints logical extension. We can't prove much of anything officially. However, we can talk about probability and whats reasonable. So yes, Reiki and other energy field therapies might work in some way despite their strange theoretical claims. We must consider probability though. Their claims fly in the face of even the most fundamental, basic principles of physics and physiology, which counts as significant evidence against said hypothesis, that Raiki works beyond placebo. It follows that its effectiveness as a treatment is therefore very, very unlikely, though remotely possible. I would ask, is this not the process you go through to make other important life decisions? How do you decide what to do with your life savings? Its based upon probability, and you choose the approach that you think is most likely to work based upon best evidence, and not the approach that fly's in the face of that evidence. This is the difference between investing in a 401k, and depositing your money for safe keeping the bank account of a deposed nigerian prince, who promises you a threefold return on your investment. Possible, but we should know better. Why throw common sense out the window when it comes to treatment if we refuse to do so with any other aspect of our lives?

Further, while visiting a Reiki specialists is not likely to harm you, and may very well be relaxing, you could receive the same benefits from visiting a physical therapist or plain old masseuse. By choosing the Reiki practitioner, your helping to fund a field that is, to be a bit forward, fraudulent and irresponsible. But that's just how I see it. I think it is relevant how your choices impact society at large. If people think otherwise though, I'm all ears. I'd love to be convinced otherwise and am genuinely open to other evidence.

[lifelesstraveled]

Originally Posted by the final coda

All points well taken. I certainly agree that there are problems with trying to adhere to EBT as the field and movement towards EBT is pretty new, so specifically, there is a simple lack of EB treatments for many presentations, but there are some. Further, the validity of the diagnostic categories themselves, problems with applying protocols developed on "pure" cases to real world cases, and for numerous other reasons, I recognize that the position currently has its limitations. But I think it is still an important movement within the field, and is something that should ultimately be embraced because it means better, more refined treatment, and accountability to ensure that effective, efficient treatments are utilized when available. To me, its an ethical issue. You don't want to waste peoples time, money, or prolong distress in any way, and the best way to make sure your not doing those things is to utilize treatments and strategies shown to be the most effective through some systematic demonstration of its efficacy.

I've seen statements to the effect of 'just because there is no evidence or plausable mechanism by which an intervention might work, doesn't mean it doesn't work.' This is absolutely the case, and I think this is the scientifically minded, skeptical viewpoints logical extension. We can't prove much of anything officially. However, we can talk about probability and whats reasonable. So yes, Reiki and other energy field therapies might work in some way despite their strange theoretical claims. We must consider probability though. Their claims fly in the face of even the most fundamental, basic principles of physics and physiology, which counts as significant evidence against said hypothesis, that Raiki works beyond placebo. It follows that its effectiveness as a treatment is therefore very, very unlikely, though remotely possible. I would ask, is this not the process you go through to make other important life decisions? How do you decide what to do with your life savings? Its based upon probability, and you choose the approach that you think is most likely to work based upon best evidence, and not the approach that fly's in the face of that evidence. This is the difference between investing in a 401k, and depositing your money for safe keeping the bank account of a deposed nigerian prince, who promises you a threefold return on your investment. Possible, but we should know better. Why throw common sense out the window when it comes to treatment if we refuse to do so with any other aspect of our lives?

Further, while visiting a Reiki specialists is not likely to harm you, and may very well be relaxing, you could receive the same benefits from visiting a physical therapist or plain old masseuse. By choosing the Reiki practitioner, your helping to fund a field that is, to be a bit forward, fraudulent and irresponsible. But that's just how I see it. I think it is relevant how your choices impact society at large. If people think otherwise though, I'm all ears. I'd love to be convinced otherwise and am genuinely open to other evidence.

huh??? perhaps im a little slow or extremely slow LOL or maybe my brain just isnt working today. but all of this went way over my head...
...think i have to come back to this later....

[pachyderm]

Originally Posted by the final coda

By choosing the Reiki practitioner, your helping to fund a field that is, to be a bit forward, fraudulent and irresponsible. But that's just how I see it. I think it is relevant how your choices impact society at large. If people think otherwise though, I'm all ears. I'd love to be convinced otherwise and am genuinely open to other evidence.

I have been mislead and damaged enough by the "accepted" approaches that I am not so quick to dismiss alternatives.