The Role of Reiki in Creative Arts Therapy

Reiki is a non-religious Japanese energy practice for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on of hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s “life force energy” is low, then we are more likely to feel tired, stressed or even get sick; if it is high, we are more capable of being happy, motivated and healthy. 

When Reiki is applied together with creative art therapy, as the two modalities share a common goal of fostering self-awareness, emotional expression, and holistic well-being, it can create a deeper therapeutic process that merges energetic release with creative expression, helping to bypass defenses and access the subconscious.

Reiki in addition to addressing chronic pain and conditions, helps unblock stagnant energy, reduce stress, and calms racing thoughts, allowing for a more free-flowing creative process.  As Reiki focuses on balancing energy fields and inducing relaxation and healing, art therapy externalizes inner experiences. Together, they create a “dynamic interplay” between somatic (body) release and symbolic representation.

Reiki acts as a tool to prepare the mind and body for artistic expression, making the creative process more accessible and profound. So, the goal during a combined session is for an increased emotional, physical, and spiritual balance, reduced anxiety and improved mood, with greater confidence and reduced fear of judgment in creative projects.

By clearing emotional, energetic, and ego-driven barriers, Reiki helps artists, writers, and performers access deeper inspiration and overcome creative stagnation. One of the medically fragile young adults, who I work with at OBH Rutland Nursing Home, at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, has expressed, many times, that whether he is working on an art project during our Reiki session, or after the session ends, not only he feels more relaxed and energized, but he also feels the urge to proceed with his writing, drawing or coloring, his favorite hobbies, with increased disposition and inspiration.