Reiki-assisted EMDR: A Holistic Approach to Trauma Therapy

As a trauma therapist, I rely on evidence-based practices like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help clients process and heal from painful life experiences. But I also hold space for the less visible, intuitive layers of healing—things like energy flow, internal blocks, and the body’s quiet wisdom.

For clients who are open to it, I sometimes offer Reiki-assisted EMDR—a gentle integration of energy healing into a traditional EMDR session. It's not a separate modality, and it doesn't change the core EMDR protocol. What it does do is add an extra layer of support during moments when clients are already deep in their own internal process.

Let me explain what that looks like—and why it can be so powerful.

A Quick Refresher: What Is EMDR?

EMDR is a well-researched trauma therapy that helps people reprocess distressing memories and shift the way those memories live in the nervous system. It uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) while clients recall difficult events in a controlled, supported way. Over time, those memories become less emotionally charged, and the beliefs tied to them begin to shift.

EMDR is structured, focused, and deeply effective for many kinds of trauma—including complex trauma and dissociation. It doesn’t require clients to go into every detail of the trauma, which can be a relief for those who’ve been retraumatized by retelling their stories.

What Is Reiki?

Reiki is a form of energy healing that comes from Japanese tradition. It’s based on the idea that the body has its own natural energy system—and that this energy can be supported or cleared through light, hands-on or hands-near-the-body work.

Reiki is gentle, non-invasive, and often deeply calming. Many people experience it as warmth, tingling, or a quiet sense of peace. Others don’t feel much physically—but still notice emotional shifts or a settling of the nervous system.

It’s not a medical treatment or a substitute for psychotherapy. But it is a powerful support for people doing deep emotional work—especially when the body holds tension, pain, or stored survival energy.

So What Does Reiki-Assisted EMDR Look Like?

In my practice, the primary focus of a session is still EMDR. The structure, phases, and protocols remain the same. We start by identifying target memories, doing preparation work, setting up the processing, and using bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess what’s ready to shift.

But here’s where the Reiki comes in:

There are quiet moments in EMDR—times when clients are internally processing, and I’m simply holding space while they go inward. During those moments, I offer a gentle flow of Reiki energy. It’s intuitive and quiet, never directive or disruptive. I’m not “doing” something to the client—I’m simply allowing a subtle energetic support to be present while their system does the heavy lifting.

Some clients describe feeling more grounded, safe, or connected during those moments. Others say it helps the processing feel less overwhelming, especially if they’re dealing with chronic stress, dissociation, or a sense of fragmentation.

Some believe that Reiki supports the process energetically—helping things move through the body and release in a way that feels more complete. Whether it's experienced as energy, metaphor, or simply comfort, this added layer can offer a meaningful sense of support while the nervous system is doing deep work.

The Reiki doesn’t interfere with the EMDR—it supports it. It’s like an energetic hand on your back while you’re climbing a steep hill: you’re still doing the work, but the support is there.

Why Combine These Modalities?

For many people—especially those who are sensitive, intuitive, or feeling stuck in traditional therapy—adding Reiki can make EMDR feel more spacious, embodied, and connected.

Here are a few reasons clients have chosen Reiki-assisted EMDR:

• They’re highly somatic and benefit from subtle energy attunement.

• They’ve felt spiritually disconnected and want to re-integrate that part of their healing.

• They’re experiencing intense internal fragmentation or freeze states, and Reiki helps bring in a sense of warmth and coherence.

• They simply feel better when Reiki is part of the process—and that matters.

That said, Reiki isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. For clients who don’t want it, EMDR on its own is incredibly effective. This is just one option in the toolkit—and like everything in therapy, it’s always guided by consent, collaboration, and clinical judgment.

Is It Still EMDR If There’s Reiki Involved?

Yes. The EMDR protocol doesn’t change. The target, the processing, the bilateral stimulation, and the phases are all intact. Reiki is simply layered in during the processing phase—quietly, non-invasively, and only when appropriate.

This integration is designed to enhance—not replace—what’s already working. It’s not about “fixing” anything faster. It’s about creating a container that supports the full human experience: mind, body, energy, and soul.

Final Thoughts

Healing isn’t always linear, and it’s rarely one-dimensional. For some people, combining the structure of EMDR with the gentleness of Reiki brings a sense of balance they haven’t found elsewhere. It honors both science and intuition, brain and body, regulation and energy.

If you're curious about Reiki-assisted EMDR, let’s talk about whether it might be a good fit. And as always, if what you need is straight-up EMDR with no energetic add-ons, I’ve got you covered there, too