The Impact of Psychotherapeutic Reiki on Anxiety and Mindfulness: A Single-Case Design

Reiki healing, a complementary therapy, may reduce anxiety and improve mindfulness when integrated with talk therapy. In a single-case study of four adults, three showed significant reductions in anxiety and increases in mindfulness over the course of psychotherapeutic Reiki (PR) intervention, as measured by weekly assessments. The findings suggest potential therapeutic benefits of combining PR with conventional counseling, though further research is needed to confirm these effects.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Reiki healing is one of several complementary and integrative therapies becoming increasingly prevalent in mental health counseling. It has been identified in the medical field for its usefulness in treating anxiety, depression, distress, and pain but has rarely been studied for its counseling impact on client wellness. I conducted single-case research to explore psychotherapeutic Reiki's (PR's) influence on adult clients' anxiety symptoms and perceived sense of mindfulness and provided analysis of data collected from two assessments administered weekly: the Adult Manifest Anxiety Scale-Adult and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. Three of the four participants demonstrated significant improvement in both anxiety and mindfulness over the course of the PR intervention. The study revealed potential therapeutic benefits for integrating PR with conventional talk therapy. Included in discussion of study results are clinical implications and importance, suggestions for future research, and limitations.