I went into Family Medicine 15 years ago with compassion and excitement. Practicing medicine and caring for my patients was my life and I was very happy. Over the years, I adapted to all of the changes and challenges in healthcare. I checked all of the boxes, my patient satisfaction scores were at the top, my “numbers” were great. I wasn’t aware, however, that I had not been taking care of myself.

It wasn’t until a patient of mine said to me, “You’ve changed. You aren’t the same doctor I started with 8 years ago,” that I realized I was burned out and it was affecting my patients. Sadly, I found that there were very few resources for healthcare workers. I changed jobs thinking that would help but after a year, I found myself googling “What do doctors do when they don’t want to be doctors anymore?” It was heartbreaking to think I wanted to leave the profession.

Luckily, I found Carol and Laura, and they have helped mentor coach me through these challenges. I have a renewed sense of self and love for medicine. I only wish that I had met them sooner!

Laura was my introduction to Reiki. I met her at a point in my life when I needed balance and clarity. She helped me reconnect with myself through reiki sessions. Her depth of knowledge in all areas of natural healing guided me back to peace.

I also had some pretty severe tension in my neck and shoulders which Laura helped me relax enough to get relief.

When I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer (DCIS Estrogen – HER 2 +), everything turned upside down. I knew, based on a family friend’s positive outcome using an alternative holistic approach to fighting her Stage 4 cancer, that I would likely opt for no chemo and no radiation. After getting all the facts I decided to look for options that would help build my immune system, enabling me to better fight the cancer. In addition to making significant changes to my lifestyle and diet, I became aware that Center for the Healing Arts offered Reiki. I didn’t know much about this, so I checked it out and decided to give it a try.

I was amazed at the difference it made in my energy, stress and general mood. I decided to utilize Reiki before each of my 3 major surgeries to mentally and physically prepare my body for what was to happen, and then again afterwards to try and bring back the natural balance of my body following the trauma of surgery.

Carol Bondy’s skill and calmness during our sessions was incredible. I know that my healing came about because of all the changes I made in lifestyle and I count the Center for Healing Arts as an important player and member of my team of holistic and alternative professionals who made the difference in my outcome.

Today I am cancer free and while I would never say that Reiki alone was the cause, I would absolutely say that it is an important part of any cancer patient’s recovery no matter what choices they make regarding treatment. Managing stress is so critical to restoring balance and helping the body heal and function more effectively.

I would encourage anyone going through any kind of stressful event to consider the impact that Reiki can make in your ability to cope and deal with the circumstances you are in. At the very least it can give you a calmer outlook as you face the major turns that inevitably come about in life. Thank you Center for the Healing Arts for your part in my recovery!