
When interests, passion and work life combine it’s called Dharma, and it’s a beautiful thing. I’ve been lucky to discover my own dharma as a Reiki practitioner.
I completed my Master Level certification (RMT, for Reiki Master Teacher) in 2013 following a 1-year training program, and since then I have loved bringing the transformative healing power of Reiki to my clients. I enjoy working on all types of ailments, but specialize in emotional and spiritual healing.
Even though I am technically a Reiki Master, I don’t use that term to describe myself because I am always growing in my skills and abilities. I’m not a master of anything, because there is always more to master! I have learned and become certified in a few other modalities over the years, which I use to inform my Reiki practice. Below is a list of my further certifications:
- SEVA Acupressure Release, 2017. Instructor: Lynn Johnson
- Shamanic Soul Retrieval, 2019. Instructor: Monika Healing Coyote
- Alchemical Alignment Bodywork for Trauma Resolution and Embodiment of Spirit, Levels 1-6, 2021. Instructor: Brigit Viksnins
Some of the techniques learned in this class are woven organically into my Reiki sessions as needed, such as my specialized training helping clients heal their nervous systems if they experienced birth trauma (C-sections, NICU stays, etc.) I also offer soul retrieval ceremonies by request. Just like Reiki, soul retrieval can be done remotely.
I own a private practice, and have also practiced Reiki in hospice settings and at George Washington University Hospital. In 2017 I created a program called Reiki for Recovery in which I offer weekly free Reiki to residents at Hope House Treatment Center, an inpatient drug and alcohol recovery facility in Laurel, MD. (Currently on pause because of COVID-19.)
Teaching Reiki or what I call, just reminding people of their own power is incredibly important to me. I teach a Reiki mentorship program for practitioners as well as self-care classes for adults and kids. The kids classes I teach grew out of an incident my daughter experienced at school; she was called a “witch” and told she was “going to hell” for learning Reiki from me at home.
I pursued my Reiki training through a long-form class (the same style I teach currently) because I knew I wanted a career overhaul, and that I would need the extra help and support. A weekend workshop may make me feel energized and excited in the moment, but on Monday I would go back to paying bills and wiping noses. I would quickly forget what I learned, then not feel confident enough to begin my career. Luckily there was a year-long zero to Master Level course beginning close to my house! We learned Traditional Japanese technique, called Usui Reiki Ryoho. Fast forward 9 years and I am very happy with that choice.
Each Reiki practitioner is unique and has their own style. I work closely with the chakra system even though many Reiki practitioners do not. I like the depth of insight I receive from working with a person’s chakras, which allows me to tailor each session to their individual needs. For more on the process, please see the “What to Expect When You Work With Me” section of ‘About Reiki’.
I’ve been blessed to learn from incredible mentors and gifted practitioners. The blessings continue in the form of my clients and students. Each person who I’m able to share Reiki with holds a special place in my heart and I am so grateful for their openness and willingness to heal themselves.
I named my practice “Gentle Hands” because I find myself saying that a lot to my children, especially my little son. As he explores the world around him he is simply bursting with excitement, and sometimes a little too forceful. As I deepen my Reiki practice, I notice that we can all be a little too hard on our bodies and our souls sometimes. It is my hope that my “gentle hands” can both soothe my clients and inspire them to be gentle with themselves.
I’m also a wife, musician, avid weightlifter and mother to 2 children, 1 dog, 3 cats and a gorgeous albino snake. I love rollerskating, reading (especially Ursula K. LeGuin novels and non-fiction), cooking and I have a sliiiight obsession with nautilus shells. Reiki is the one thing I can talk about without getting really shy.
Please follow me on IG or subscribe to my YouTube channel to keep the conversation going!
My Reiki style is Usui Reiki Ryoho, and my lineage is as follows:
Mikao Usui
Kanichi Taketomi
Kimiko Koyama
Hiroshi Doi
Amy Rowland
David Gleekel
Greg Lemich
