New Reiki Therapy Service

Ballinasloe Cancer Support Centre have launched a new Reiki therapy service, with Tuam native Louise O Furey offering the practise with her rigorous experience in the field.

Louise always had a passion to help and support others on their journey through their struggles in day-to-day life. It was through her own life experience and conflict over many years that led her down the path as both a psychotherapist and a Reiki practitioner. Louise trained as a practitioner in 2014 and has also received a BA degree as a Holistic counsellor and psychotherapist in February 2020.

She found a calling to Reiki during the early stages of the Covid lockdown when her sister was diagnosed with severe breast cancer affecting her brain. Throughout lockdown, she began practising the therapy on her sister who found it relaxing, helping her sleep and relaxing her mind. When the lockdown lifted, she realized her path in Reiki and took the leap, establishing her business in January 2023 in Tuam.

Reiki is a healing technique which uses gentle hand techniques to flow healthy energy from the therapist through the client's body to alleviate any blockages which may cause illness. According to practitioners, some benefits of the therapy include reduction of stress and anxiety in the body, helping with insomnia, treating depression, boosting morale and clearing negative thoughts, easing physical pain and helping relax a person suffering from illness or disease.

The Ballinasloe Cancer Support Centre, affiliated with the Irish Cancer Society, have begun this therapy at their hub on Cullens Yard just off Main Street, running from 10.00 until 14:00 every second week. Information on Reiki can be obtained from their office which is open at these hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Louise will also be participating in the Sligo Camino on July 1, a challenging 36km hike from Dromahair Co. Leitrim to Cooloney Co. Sligo, to raise funds for the centre.

Chairperson Liam Connaire states: “I would like to thank the people who fund us and the local businesses who have supported us. This has led to an increase in our services in the past couple of months and for which we are for every grateful”.  The centre is run entirely by volunteers and supported by CE Schemes, ensuring all money received is invested into providing services for those who most need it.
 
A second counsellor has been engaged to allow more members and families in the community to avail of counselling which is in high demand. The centre has established a donation page for those who would like to contribute to their ongoing services at https://www.idonate.ie/cause/ballinasloecancersupport.
 
Bookings are essential for their services including counselling, massage therapy and reiki, and clients are recommended to book early to their office at 090 9649767

Louise O'Furey