ABOUT HELENE WILLIAMS
My interest in holistic healing spans many decades. Thirty years ago, I was exploring macrobiotic diets, homeopathy, and the benefits of exercise and yoga. I entered the healing profession in 1999 as a registered nurse in oncology and hospice. While these areas challenged me emotionally and professionally, my experiences allowed me to truly learn the meaning of empathy and become more spiritually connected. Most importantly, it taught me just how comforting and meaningful the touch of a hand can be for someone who is suffering, in pain, or going through the dying process.
In 2006, I decided to go back to hospital nursing. I was fortunate to be part of a team that embraced the holistic components of Reiki, aromatherapy, music therapy, massage, and guided imagery. After taking my Reiki I training and sharing Reiki with patients, I was so impressed that something so simple and easy to learn had such dramatic effects in promoting relaxation, which in turn allowed the healing process to take place. My patients were more relaxed, their pain was often reduced or relieved, and in some cases, they went home earlier than anticipated.
Reiki also helped me to learn about caring for myself. Before learning about Reiki, I had struggled my entire life with anxiety, depression, and an overwhelming fear of public speaking. In my Reiki journey, I’ve learned that I can maintain a calm mind and an open heart with consistent daily meditation and self-Reiki practice. I remember the first time I had to do a presentation, and the fear inside me was gone. It was a strange feeling, almost like something was missing, but incredibly freeing at the same time.
In addition to my regular teaching practice, I am also available to teach Reiki and meditation in healthcare and corporate environments. I also provide contracted services to create holistic programs in healthcare settings. My vision is for Reiki to be embraced as a spiritual practice for healing, compassion, and well-being.
Educational Background:
1999 RN, Lancaster General College of Nursing and Health Sciences
2007 Reiki I, Gigi Jantos, Reiki Master, Harrisburg, PA
2007 Reiki I, II, Master; Kate Mikusko, Reiki Master, Lititz PA
2011 Reiki I, II, Master; Laurelle Shanti Gaia, Reiki Master, Sedona, AZ, International Center for Reiki Training
2012 Karuna Reiki Master; Laurelle Shanti Gaia, Reiki Master, Sedona, AZ, International Center for Reiki Training
2013 Reiki Drumming Certification; Michael Baird, Reiki Master, Sedona, AZ
2012 Shinpiden Graduate, Frans Stiene, Reiki Teacher, Usui Reiki Ryoho, International House of Reiki
2014 Animal Reiki Certificate, Kelly McDermott Burns, VT
2016 Bachelor’s Degree, Nursing, Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences
2023 Mindful Meditation Teacher Certification (two-year program), The Awareness Training Institute and the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California at Berkeley with Jack Kornfield & Tara Brach
2023 RKMRI Medical Reiki Master Certification
My experience includes the following:
Seventeen years of providing Reiki sessions in hospital, hospice, extended care, and veteran administrator’s settings
Presentations on Reiki and holistic health care at national nursing conferences
Participated in a hospital-based Reiki research study
Implemented and facilitated a hospital Reiki Volunteer Program
Reiki practitioner for Caring Hospice Services
Volunteer Reiki practitioner/meditation facilitator for the Lebanon VA Medical Center since 2019
Established the Lancaster Community Reiki Clinic in 2013
Keynote speaker at the 2019 Cincinnati Reiki Day
Panel member on Reiki’s Gifts webcast, 2020
Podcast Interviews: From Doctor to Patient with Dr. Diva Nagula (2021); Dive into Reiki with Nathalie Jaspar (2021; 2022; 2024); Be the Light with Maria Kammerer (2019)
Corporate mindful meditation facilitator
2021 - 2023: Reiki Unified Board Member
2021 - Present: Center for Reiki Research Board Member
2022 - Omega Institute Faculty, Wisdom of Reiki Conference
2024 - Integrative Pain Science Institute Mindfulness-Based Pain Relief Program Certification
2024 - Global Reiki Summitt Speaker - November
One of my greatest passions is teaching Reiki and mindfulness meditation to others and seeing how transformative it can be for them.