Episode #160 David Roberts From Combat to Calm: A Veteran's Reiki Journey

Ready Set Reiki

What happens when traditional therapy fails a combat veteran struggling with trauma? For David Roberts, discovering Reiki became the unexpected lifeline that transformed his experience of being "on fire" into balanced wellbeing.
David takes us through his compelling journey from infantry soldier to holistic healer in this vulnerable conversation about finding healing in unexpected places. After returning from a combat-heavy tour feeling perpetually angry and dysregulated, David's path led him to explore energy healing. The moment he experienced his first reflexology point, feeling "the world was okay for a couple seconds," became the catalyst for a complete life transformation.
As both a Master Reiki practitioner and Army Reserve Master Resilience Trainer, David brings a refreshingly grounded perspective to energy work. He seamlessly bridges Western clinical understanding with traditional Asian health practices, making these modalities accessible even to skeptics. His approach emphasizes the nervous system science behind Reiki, challenging misconceptions that it's merely "woo-woo" or luxury care rather than legitimate healing.
The conversation takes a practical turn as David demonstrates powerful techniques specifically beneficial for veterans and anyone struggling with anxiety, boundary issues, or sleep disturbances. From the simple "typewriter" chest tapping to regulate the vagus nerve to more involved practices for releasing grief and establishing healthy boundaries, these tools offer immediate nervous system relief in just 60 seconds.
Whether you're a veteran seeking alternative approaches to healing, a Reiki practitioner looking to deepen your understanding, or simply curious about how energy medicine interfaces with traditional therapeutic models, this episode illuminates the profound healing potential when ancient wisdom meets modern understanding. David's journey from skeptic to practitioner reminds us that sometimes our greatest healing comes from places we least expect to find it.

David Roberts (He/Him). Is a Master Reiki Practitioner, somatic skills life coach, and Army veteran with roughly 8 years of experience in helping individuals regulate stress, process trauma, and restore balance through holistic and somatic care. As a Master Resilience Trainer in the U.S. Army Reserve, my goal is to bring a grounded and integrative approach to healing. I have provided trainings for groups and individuals, to include clinicians at Wayne State’s outpatient psych program, blending Eastern and Western modalities to support deep emotional and nervous system recovery.

If you’re looking at an approach that can support and guide your nervous system to a more peaceful and balanced place, I’d love to aid you in what ways I can, and speak about how Reiki (Teate) and Somatic Skills can help you achieve healing.

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Chapters

1. Episode #160 David Roberts From Combat to Calm: A Veteran's Reiki Journey (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Ready Set Reiki (00:00:22)

3. David's Military to Healing Journey (00:01:51)

4. Finding Reiki and Personal Transformation (00:08:10)

5. Misconceptions About Reiki (00:11:40)

6. Personal Challenges in Healing Work (00:19:04)

7. Qualities of a Great Reiki Practitioner (00:22:54)

8. Advice for Beginning Spiritual Work (00:28:20)

9. Services and Training Offered (00:36:40)

10. Contact Information and Resources (00:44:20)

11. Explaining Reiki to Military Personnel (00:46:08)

12. Somatic Techniques for Veterans Demonstration (00:50:26)

13. Final Thoughts and Encouragement (01:02:37)