Can Energy Healing Support Mental Health? A Psychologist Explains Reiki’s Gentle Power

By Adriana Castro-Convers, PhD

When we think about mental health support, we often picture talk therapy, medication, or mindfulness practices like journaling and meditation. But there’s a growing interest in something more subtle—something ancient yet newly relevant: energy healing.

As a licensed psychologist and Reiki practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how energy work can gently support the emotional and energetic systems of those navigating anxiety, burnout, grief, or spiritual disconnection. No, it’s not a replacement for therapy or medical care—but when paired thoughtfully, energy healing can create a deeper sense of calm, clarity, and resilience.

What Is Energy Healing?

At its core, energy healing is based on the idea that we are more than just our physical bodies—we are also made of energy. Just as our bodies can become tense or fatigued, our energetic systems can become blocked or depleted. Energy healing techniques, like Reiki, aim to restore flow and balance in the body’s subtle energy fields.

So… What Exactly Is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a gentle, hands-on or hands-off technique originating in Japan. It involves the channeling of universal life energy to support the body’s natural healing processes. It is soothing, non-invasive, and deeply relaxing.

I currently offer Distance Reiki sessions, which means you don’t have to be physically present to receive its benefits. Distance Reiki can support:

Reduced anxiety and emotional overwhelm
Improved sleep and restfulness
Pain relief and physical comfort
Greater spiritual alignment and intuition

And the best part? You can receive this support from the comfort of your own home.

How Energy Work Can Support Mental Health

Clients often describe Reiki as “a deep exhale”—a soft place to land when life feels heavy. While it’s not designed to diagnose or treat mental illness, it can:

Soothe the nervous system
Promote feelings of peace, grounding, and connection
Enhance one’s sense of inner clarity
Support the emotional processing that often happens in therapy

For those feeling stuck, tired, or spiritually disconnected, energy work can offer a gentle nudge toward emotional restoration.

Who Is It For?

If you’re navigating stress, seeking balance, or simply curious about complementary approaches to well-being, Reiki may be worth exploring. It’s especially helpful for:

Sensitive individuals who feel deeply affected by the world around them
Caregivers and healers in need of replenishment
People experiencing grief, transition, or spiritual longing

A Gentle Reminder

Energy healing is not about “fixing” you—it’s about creating spaciousness for your own wisdom and healing to rise. You already hold so much within you. Reiki simply helps clear the path.

If you're curious about scheduling a distance session with me, I invite you to reach out. Sometimes, the softest shift can bring the brightest light. https://www.castro-converscounseling.com/