Year: | 2017 |
Type: | Thesis |
Topic: | Mental Health: Depression and Anxiety |
Category: | Stress and Anxiety |
Subcategory: | Psychotherapy |
Publication language: | EN |
Title: | The Integration of Reiki and Psychotherapy on Depression: The Lived Experience |
Authors: | Antoinette S. Hemmerich |
Location:
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USA - Faculty of the Division of Education and Human Services of Neumann University Aston PA |
Reference:
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Dissertation, Neumann University |
Abstract:
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Background: The purpose of this qualitative study was to listen, describe, interpret, and make meaning of the lived experiences of women who suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD) and work through depression with the integration of the holistic energy practice of Reiki and traditional talk therapy or psychotherapy by a licensed professional mental health clinician who integrates Reiki and psychotherapy. Mental health issues, such as depression, originate from biological, genetic, environmental irregularities and influences. The very nature of depression can be painful and disrupt interpersonal, social, and occupational functioning. Approach: This study was an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) that gathered a deep understanding and the rich details of the first hand lived experiences of the nature and essence of depression and a description of the experience of the integration of Reiki and psychotherapy. The subjective perspective and worldview of women who suffer from MDD and integrate Reiki and psychotherapy was yet to be explored. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted and then analyzed so that the researcher could capture, describe, interpret, and understand the unique perspective of each participant. Participants in this study have chosen to integrate the holistic energy practice of Reiki with traditional talk therapy or psychotherapy to work through depression. The researcher was interested in knowing the participant’s lived experience, her subjective perspective and worldview. “The term lived experience derives from the German erlebnis-experience as we live through it and recognize it as a particular type of experience”(Adams & van Manen, 2008, p. 616). Method: Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted and then analyzed. Findings: The qualitative data collected supported the following themes: the essence of depression; “healing” mind, body, and spirit, a holistic approach; the strength of the therapeutic relationship, new perspectives, hope and empowerment; new coping skills; and positive changes in relationships. Another emerging theme conveyed the energy of Reiki as love and the energetic practice of Reiki to be spiritual, which offered a strong contrast to depression. Additionally, the findings support that with the integration of Reiki and psychotherapy there is increased experiential awareness of living and being in the present moment. The findings suggest that the integration of Reiki and psychotherapy introduces a new paradigm to work through and heal depression. |
Résumé :
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Link: | https://search.proquest.com/openview/2d0bb6cb9c0ccb64a04c3f6689e4e7d1/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
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