MysticMag has the opportunity to chat with Colleen Tola Dopkin, RMPT, BS, MPH from
The Reiki and Wellness Center of Manahawkin. Colleen is a Reiki Master Practitioner and Teacher and has been practicing Reiki since 2012. She founded Free Spirit Reiki and Wellness in 2014 and recently opened The Reiki and Wellness Center of Manahawkin in 2021. Colleen has her Bachelor’s Degree in Biological and her Masters Degree in Public Health. After her own physically transformative healing experience through Reiki, she changed careers to pursue her true passion of sharing Reiki. She is committed to helping others find peace along their journey (physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually). Colleen has two other passions: her husband and her two children. Her husband, Jamie, is an avid supporter of her Reiki journey (and the one who encouraged her to try Reiki initially). Her two young sons, Jamison and Lukas, have received Reiki since Colleen’s pregnancies and often request Reiki treatments for themselves.
Can you explain the philosophy behind your approach to Reiki and how it differs from traditional therapy or medical treatments?
My approach to Reiki involves restoring the body to balance, addressing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. The goal is to return the body to a parasympathetic state, where it can heal itself. Often, when we’re sick or injured, our bodies remain stuck in the fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system. While this response is necessary to combat injury or illness, it can sometimes become prolonged. Reiki helps to shift the body back to the parasympathetic state, where healing can occur naturally.
Instead of focusing on a specific injury or illness, Reiki takes a holistic approach, empowering the body to heal itself. It taps into the body’s natural capabilities, which can sometimes be dormant or underutilized. By restoring balance, Reiki enables our bodies to harness their innate healing abilities.
What benefits can someone expect from a Reiki session, particularly in terms of physical, emotional, and spiritual healing?
I’ve witnessed numerous physical improvements in my clients through Reiki, particularly in pain reduction. Many come to me with chronic or challenging health issues, and I’ve seen significant progress where conventional treatments had stalled. Reiki has also been effective in reducing recovery time post-surgery and improving sleep quality, which is immensely beneficial.
Emotionally, clients often experience improved mood and a profound sense of peace both during and after sessions. While some experience immediate relief and may not need to return, others notice gradual but consistent progress over time. Reiki has also been beneficial for those experiencing grief, helping them process their emotions and navigate the physical pain associated with loss.
Spiritually, Reiki enhances connection and offers a shifted perspective. Restoring balance to the body often brings peace of mind, reinforcing the mind-body-spirit connection. I’ve seen clients regain their spiritual connection as they heal physically and emotionally, highlighting the interconnected nature of these aspects.
My personal journey with Reiki began skeptically, with little sensation during sessions. However, as I continued, I noticed gradual changes, particularly in managing my physical pain and emotional well-being and ultimately profound changes. Reiki taught me to be open to subtle shifts and not to have rigid expectations of what healing looks like. Each session can be unique, ranging from deeply transformative to more subtle. I also exchange sessions with another master, sometimes experiencing profound effects and other times focusing more on maintenance.
Overall, Reiki is not just about immediate relief but also about supporting long-term health and resilience. Research is increasingly showing its benefits for the immune system and overall well-being, making it a valuable tool for maintaining health and addressing future challenges.
How do you tailor your sessions to meet the individual needs of your clients, especially when it comes to addressing specific issues or goals?
With my clients, I emphasize the importance of setting intentions before their Reiki session. There are different philosophies within Reiki, including medical Reiki and traditional Japanese Reiki, and I have studied both paths. In the more spiritually-centered traditional Japanese Reiki, there is a focus on energy flow and intention. I have clients tap into what they truly want to receive from their session, as this clarity is key to the healing process. By setting clear intentions, we direct energy toward those specific areas needing attention.
During the session, I follow the energy patterns based on the intentions set by the client. For example, if a client has a physical ailment, I may spend more time on that specific body part. However, I also recognize that energetic imbalances can be connected to other areas of the body. Therefore, I allow Reiki energy to flow where it is needed most, guided by the client’s intention.
Overall, the intention-setting process before each session helps me align with the client’s needs and directs the flow of Reiki energy to where it is most beneficial for their healing journey.
What led you to offer workshops and classes alongside your Reiki sessions, and how do these complement the healing process?
Not everyone is able or interested in committing to a full Reiki session right away. Some prefer to dip their toes in and see what it’s about. That’s why I offer classes in a group setting. We have Reiki circles, which focus more on Reiki, and I’ve also added crystal bowls, which offer vibrational healing. There’s a group dynamic to the Reiki circle where people come together, each on their own journey, looking for community. I also host workshops, such as Reiki for Recovery for those healing from addiction or Reiki for healthcare workers. We’re also planning a teachers’ event soon. I truly believe in the universality of this work. As people see themselves in a group setting and are able to connect with others, they understand that the healing experience, whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, can be supported by simply talking with someone going through a similar thing. These group classes not only build community but also offer a taste of Reiki to those unsure about trying it. It’s a commitment to come in for a full session, not knowing what to expect. Taking a class with a friend can make it more approachable and fun. Reiki is hard to explain; it’s very experiential. Allowing people to come in, have fun, laugh, and talk about what they’re going through makes the experience more accessible to everyone.
In what ways do you see Reiki and energy work evolving in the future, and how do you hope to contribute to that evolution through your practice?
I’m thrilled about the current shift in the narrative regarding self-care. It’s moving away from the idea that we have to deplete ourselves to be fully dedicated, and toward the understanding that self-care and being complete allow us to show up better in the world. This shift is more about taking care of ourselves on a grander emotional, mental, and spiritual scale so that we can be the best version of ourselves while caring for others and fulfilling our responsibilities. I believe that this integration is crucial, especially in the medical field. It complements other treatments and practices, bringing peace and helping the body to relax and become more receptive to healing on a physical level. I’m excited about the increasing research showing the improvements that Reiki can provide. It’s not just about those with medical needs; it’s also about allowing everyone to care for themselves so they can feel their best and contribute positively to the world. When you have inner peace, you can share that peace with others. Given the challenges the world is facing, this shift toward self-care is more important than ever. Instead of the old story that suggests we must give until we’re broken before we care for ourselves, this new narrative emphasizes that by caring for ourselves, we can better care for others and truly enjoy life.
If you would like to find out more about The Reiki Wellness and Center of Manahawkin, please visit www.reikiwcmanahawkin.com
