"I felt like AllisonJoy’s warm energy, professionalism, and genuine love for healing others in her community made her a perfect guide in my healing process...My Reiki treatment was a great stepping stone toward my personal healing through a very difficult time. AllisonJoy prepped me every step of the way...I felt instantly comfortable in the treatment space, as the environment felt like it was filled with a peaceful energy...The treatment itself was calming and necessary...My body felt much more relaxed, and I was conscious of certain areas feeling stronger energy during the treatment than others...The whole session was extremely clarifying for me in forward thinking about my own self-care and ways to heal and release a lot of the tension and stress I hold inside...
As women of color, we often feel guilty for taking part in acts of self-care, and healing practices like Reiki treatments seem too indulgent or like a luxury we can’t validate or make time for. These are the precise reasons why AllisonJoy’s practice and approach to community work are so important. She shared with me a gift that she offers to those in her community—the opportunity to heal instead of feeling like we have to hold the weight of our families, friends, partners, and communities on our bodies. I am excited by her vision...to allow the rest of the community to partake in something that shouldn’t be seen as a mere luxury—but rather, our own basic rights to self-care...
I would highly recommend Reiki sessions with AllisonJoy because of her great care for those she is treating, her professionalism and sensitivity throughout the whole experience, and the strength that this practice will continue to bring to our communities.
Thank you, AllisonJoy!"
-Jill Aguado; Brooklyn, NY
youth program coordinator,
university settlement community center
[read jill's full Reiki story here]
"My first Reiki treatment with Allisonjoy was full of clear visions, a constant release of tears, and a deep sense of healing. She was gentle and powerful and grounded and light. During the session I experienced healing in parts of my body that neither of us had consciously connected to my broken heart (due to infertility). To be healed where one does not know one holds an injury is a powerful feeling indeed- In fact, this created a lightness where so much had been held tight for so long.
Allisonjoy is very down to earth and was very gentle with me as a beginner who was new to Reiki. I would recommend her to anyone interested in connecting with their deepest feelings through this kind of process and the healing and growth that can come from such connections."
-S.C.; New York
attorney
"My name is Dorothy. I am 58 years old. Two years ago my world crumbled. I was told I had an auto-immune disorder. Soon after that I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My daughter's friend, Allison, suggested Reiki, but I was a skeptic. As a Baby Boomer I was skeptic because I was taught only traditional Western medicine could help you.
This past April, Allison convinced me to try it. I said to myself, "She's a sweet young lady, I shall be polite and try." But I couldn't believe the results! I relaxed and felt so peaceful during the treatments. My dry eyes actually began to water, and I could feel the negative energies float away. After the treatment I went to a concert and I actually sat for 2 hours with no pain. A week after my Reiki treatment, my PET scan indicated that I was cancer free (please note that I went through all regular cancer treatments as well). In my experience, my Reiki treatments enhanced my cancer treatments by keeping me calm and confident during recovery. I highly recommend Allisonjoy's Reiki treatments for everyone."
-Dorothy Connie; Chicago, IL
primary school teacher &
middle school counselor for over 35 years
"i chose allisonjoy to administer my Reiki treatment because she is a profoundly gifted healer with an intuitive sense that infallibly knows what i need. allisonjoy is...very professional, thorough and truly, truly kind. i chose her because she made me feel like right where i/my body/my spirit was, was perfect.
whenever i've had sessions with allisonjoy, i've felt like my heart and/or body was asking for some attention, some tenderness and some healing...what i love about allisonjoy- the effects of her healing are intensely immediate! she really really listened to me, and remembered things i had said to her before in previous conversations about my well being and concerns for my health. it feels good to speak with her because i know she's deeply invested in my well being.
with allisonjoy, a Reiki session is dependably magical but also as grounding as homeland soil. during my last session, i could feel my soul rocking, vibrating in my skin--it was like my spirit was too big for my body. i felt beautifully calm and wide.
would i want Reiki from allisonjoy again? yes yes yeeeees! how can you say no to magic?
would i recommend allisonjoy to other people? yes yes oh sweet goddess yes! if i love you, i will tell you to get your soul lifted and get some Reiki from allisonjoy. she will rock you like you were born to be."
-yvonne fly onakeme etaghene; Nigeria
poet, actress, playwright, dancer
[read yvonne's full story here]
"Allison's professional demeanor and calming nature made my Reiki session with her very comfortable. I would definitely recommend Allison's services and look forward to my next session with her. The rates are fair and it was well worth it."
-TJ Fleming; Jersey City, NJ
author, JaWa series
"Getting Reiki from Allison is like getting a years worth of massage with a year's worth of therapy thrown in. I am a true skeptic, so I really wasn't sure I believed it, but I let her try it when I tore my ACL. When I went in for surgery, my surgeon said, "I have never seen a ligament spontaneously heal before, where is the tear, is this the right knee?"
Basically, try it. Reiki from Allison can even help your pets! My dog loves it."
-Margarita Garcia; New York / Philippines / Germany
executive director at pacita abad center for the arts
"I had the recent privilege of receiving one of the most valuable graduation gifts-- a Reiki session with Allisonjoy. The transition from college life to career building has been so stressful for me since it is the first time in my life that my goals are not clear. The anxiety was not only keeping me up at night, but making me physically sick. Before, throughout, and after the session, Allisonjoy not only helped me ease and release some of my tension-- but she challenged me to take better care of myself and taught me a lot about personal growth and development.
The session forced me to think about things I was trying to avoid, and helped me reach a better understanding about various aspects of my life. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically I felt more calm, focused, clear-headed, and most importantly- ready to face my transition."
-Catherine-Mercedes Brillantes Judge; New York, NY
women's committee coordinator,
new york city district council of carpenters
"I was always curious to try a Reiki treatment because I heard amazing things from friends of mine who've had it done. Lo and behold, it worked wonders for me not only physically, but also emotionally and mentally. With living a busy life, Allisonjoy helped me be more aware to take time for myself, think about myself, and really give my body the energy it needs to revitalize for better living.
Reiki, coupled with Allisonjoy's guidance helps you to relax and really acknowledge your body's need for care. I'd most definitely want Reiki from Allisonjoy again, and others should know about this amazing resource right in the thick of NYC. You won't want to miss out on an amazing healing experience."
-Corinne Manabat; Staten Island, NY
filmmaker, lyricist, b-girl
"allisonjoy rocks out as a Reiki practitioner- i felt so warm and energized and cared for, and she was great about gently and firmly suggesting ways to continually improve my well-being. I have had the opportunity to work with allisonjoy in Mango Tribe, and her gentle sense of humor, gender/race/class justice analysis and willingness to have difficult conversations shows that she possesses a clear commitment to woman-centered issues and community organizing.
-Sharmili Majmudar; Chicago, IL
executive director, rape victim advocates
"i've had the pleasure of receiving reiki treatments from allisonjoy a few times...she offered the gift of reiki and i accepted. i had had a bad headache for days, had not been able to sleep, and it was affecting my back as well...that first time what i felt most strongly throughout was a kind of liquid, amber light, a flowing, intense heat. it was incredible. i felt cleansed, warm, and open...my headache was gone, most of my tension had relaxed, and i slept that night.
since then, i have had...reiki treatments from allison for my lower back and hips, which carry chronic pain and inflammation (a condition i hadn't developed yet, that first time). each time the experience of sharing reiki with her has been healing, great for pain management - and also healing spiritually. allison is very empathic and checks in often, if necessary, knows to say just the right, small thing.
allison has also worked on our performance collective as a group. she employed her skills with reiki when she road managed one of our gigs, at a university. she gave us reiki minutes before we took the stage. frankly, i had not experienced such a spiritual, absolutely focused and supportive performance process in a long, long time...and as performers, we were amazingly connected and tight on stage.
whether you're looking for personal healing or work with your group or collective, i can only speak glowingly of allisonjoy. she's a natural, with the training and skills, and approaches all of her work from a social justice, anti-oppression framework. she's trustworthy! please take her up on her gifts!"
-Sarwat Rumi; Chicago, IL
poet, performer, educator
[read sarwat's full Reiki story here]
"Allison has a beautiful spirit and her energy is celestial. It doesn't come as a surprise that she has the ability to sense the fluidity of energy in a given medium. I was honored to receive Reiki from her- it was my first treatment ever and I could have only entrusted the energy of my being with her. She is accommodating in every way, and took great pains to ensure that I was comfortable and that I understood what was going to happen. When the session began, I immediately felt an indescribable sensation that immersed me, and lasted long after the session was finished. I felt calm, but not drained- at ease and generally good. There was an overwhelming sense of relief...and I felt at peace afterward."
-Stephanie Vaughn; Chicago, IL
media relations coordinator
"I first learned of Reiki from Allisonjoy. Since this was the first time I had heard of the practice, I asked Allisonjoy for guidance and resources and she provided both without hesitation. She was accommodating for my busy schedule and was flexible with my needs. From my session, I learned to listen to my body and give it proper healing. She helped me understand ways I can take better care of my stress and anxiety. I felt more relaxed and comfortable with myself and it felt great! She made the process comfortable and non-invasive, which I truly appreciate since I was unsure of what to do. She also follows up with me even though she's all the way on the east coast! I am thankful to see Allisonjoy's talent, passion, and care being shared through Reiki and I look forward to more sessions with her."
-Rominna Villaseñor
artist, student(DePaul University, Chicago)
"Allisonjoy is a blessing to the world and to queer women of color. As an allopathic practitioner and trans/butch genderqueer of color, it is my privilege and honor to recommend her to anyone who is ready to hop on the path of self-healing and empowerment.
Do you remember what it's like to feel open, excited, innocent, strong, and wonderful about the world we live in? Well, damn if Allisonjoy had not provided her healing, I may not have either. Through Reiki, she helps to awaken your inner vision and allows us to see that we are already all that we need to be. The expansion and contraction that happens during Reiki is a deep cleansing of the soul, allowing me to remember that we are all our own sources of light and power.
Allisonjoy provides her treatments with the utmost respect and care for her clients. The attentiveness and intention that she creates is a testament of her commitment to provide healing for the community. The peaceful space in which she works is strong in its sacredness and nurturing. Receiving Reiki treatments with Allison has allowed me to fully step into my own skin and start a journey towards self-healing.
I am unequivocally thankful for the gift of Reiki with Allisonjoy, and strongly encourage anyone who is ready to take the first step of self-care to do so with her!"
-Alanna Weissman-Ward; Chicago, IL
4th year medical student, university of illinois college of medicine
national health service corp scholar
"We are often confronted with the opportunity to receive exactly what we need or ask for and are less often prepared for the blessing. The fear of change or challenge freezes our feet and sleeps our eyes. Allisonjoy as a healer transformed my contemplation of self from a mental exercise to an embodied experience. I felt my spirit, needs, ancestors, answers, and fears all around me, all gently welcomed by this amazing healer. Since my sessions I have remained very aware of the energy of the universe through my body and senses, and have subsequently felt more confident in my guttural knowledge and impulses. In Allisonjoy's Reiki practice, I felt my eyes open while closed and feet moving while still...and it has not stopped since."
-Ni'Ja Whitson; Chicago, IL
multi-disciplinary dance, performance, & visual artist
professor at columbia college & school of the art institute (chicago)
