If you’ve never experienced Reiki, the word alone might bring up a lot of questions. Is it massage? Is it spiritual or religious? Will my child have to lie still for an hour? Those are fair questions, and you deserve clear answers before you bring your child anywhere new.

What Pediatric Reiki is

Reiki is a gentle, calming practice that supports the body’s natural ability to relax and rebalance. During a session, the practitioner uses a light touch or holds their hands just above the body, and the focus is on helping the nervous system settle out of stress mode and into a state of rest.

Pediatric Reiki takes that same practice and shapes it around children. Kids aren’t small adults, and their sessions shouldn’t look like adult sessions. Amy Barilla has specialized in working with children since 2008, and that experience shows up in how each visit adapts to the child in the room.

A child’s first session is 60 minutes, and follow-up visits are 45 minutes. Our treatment spaces are thoughtfully designed with soft colors and soothing sounds, and we always meet each child where they’re most comfortable, including respecting their sensory boundaries.

Children are made of energy, so they may not be still, and that’s okay. Because the work is fluid, we adjust to what your child needs in the moment. Many kids love making art during their visits, and our art boards are proof of how many masterpieces they leave behind.

What parents often notice

Every child is different, so we’re careful not to promise specific results. Many families tell us their child seems calmer after sessions, settles more easily at night, or bounces back from hard moments a little faster. Parents often say they finally feel like someone understands what their child is carrying.

What Pediatric Reiki isn’t

Clearing up a few common misunderstandings helps parents feel more at ease:

• It isn’t a replacement for medical care. We work alongside your child’s doctors, therapists, and specialists, and we encourage families to keep every part of their child’s care team in place.
• It isn’t a diagnosis. We don’t diagnose conditions. We focus on supporting your child’s nervous system and overall sense of calm.
• It isn’t a massage. There’s no pressure or manipulation involved. Touch is light, and hands-off work is always an option.
• It isn’t tied to a religion. Reiki is a practice, not a belief system. Families of every background are welcome at The Hub.
• It isn’t something done to your child. Children always have a say. If something doesn’t feel right to them, we adjust.

Is it right for your child?

Pediatric Reiki can be a good fit for kids who feel everything deeply, struggle with big emotions or transitions, have trouble winding down, or are navigating a medical or life change. It can also support parents, who often carry just as much stress as their kids.

The best way to know is to talk it through. When you reach out, we’ll ask about your child, answer your questions, and tell you honestly whether this feels like the right fit for your family.

Curious about the signs to look for? Download our free guide, 5 Signs Your Child’s Nervous System Is Asking For Help.

Have questions about your child? We’d love to hear from you.