About
Kindred Lights Healing Arts
My
Mission
Hi, I’m Charis Nick-Torok. I founded Kindred Lights Healing Arts because I care deeply about two things:
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Supporting you in remembering your own light, and
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Honoring the light and wisdom that lives in all animals.
Although my services are focused primarily on Reiki healing practices and mindful meditation, I recognize there are many other wonderful energetic modalities that can help support and promote your wellbeing.
At Kindred Lights Healing Arts, our community of compassionate expert practitioners provide unique offerings to meet you and guide you on your journey to wellbeing. Your light and essence are an essential part of our wellbeing journey as well! Together we create a space for healing, hope, and connection for each other and our living planet.
My Approach
My favorite tee shirt bears the quote, "Reiki is like a hug for the soul" As a firm believer that all beings are souls in transition, I am honored to create a Reiki healing space for both people and animals, empowering and reflecting the gentle but powerful unconditional love and light that resides in each of us as a source of healing.
Over the past decade, I have trained and earned certification as a Shihan (Reiki instructor, or “Master” in many Western traditions) in several Reiki lineages. I hold these credentials as a foundation for lifelong learning rather than a final destination. I feel most at home in the traditional Japanese practices of the Usui Reiki Ryoho system developed by Usui Mikao over a century ago, and those teachings guide much of my work.
Because animals have always been central to my life and practice, I am also certified as a Level III teacher (the highest level available) in the Let Animals Lead method of Animal Reiki developed by Kathleen Prasad. Like Usui Reiki Ryoho, this method is grounded in traditional Buddhist teachings and emphasizes humility, respect, and partnership with animals.
In addition to my Reiki training, I am a certified mindfulness meditation coach with an extensive background in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). These practices help create sessions that are steady, compassionate, and spacious, so that both you and your animal companions can move at a pace that feels safe and right for you.
My Training & Affiliations
Reiki & Energy Training
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Usui Ryoho Reiki Level 3 teacher with Frans Stiene International House of Reiki
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Usui Ryoho Reiki 1, 2 & 3 with Melina Fulman – Spirit Flow Sedona
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Usui Ryoho Reiki level 1 & 2 various teachers
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Usui Shiki Ryoho Level 2 & Advanced with Lourdes Gray
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Let Animals Lead ® method of Animal Reiki for Reiki Professionals – Leah D’Ambrosio
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Let Animals Lead ® method of Animal Reiki level 3 and Teacher Training with Kathleen Prasad (2023)
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Usui/Karuna Reiki/Holy Fire practitioner/master/teacher -
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Barbara Brennan Hands of Light Immersion Workshop Attendee
Mindfulness Trainings
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Palouse Mindfulness – MBSR
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Imagine Mindfulness – MBSR
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Mindfulness Meditation Certified Coach - Jack Kornfield & Tara Brach
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Power of Awareness – Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield
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Certified Animal Hospice Professional, International Animal Hospice Group
Affiliations
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SARA (Shelter Animal Reiki Association) Teacher
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Board Member, Director of Policy and Caregiver Programs, SAFE Worldwide, Inc
My Story
My journey here has been a long one. For many years, my work focused on advocacy, ethics, and education. I served as an animal advocate attorney and educator, working on healthcare ethics, animal law, and supporting grassroots nonprofits. I am also certified in animal hospice and have spent much of my life accompanying people and animals through times of transition, challenge, and end of life. While this work was deeply meaningful, it asked a lot of my body, heart, and spirit. Several years ago, I found myself feeling overwhelmed and worn down—spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
From a background that valued logic over intuition and doubting anything that couldn’t be proven, turning toward energy work was a big, tender step. Over time, Reiki and other Eastern traditions helped me understand how conscious and subconscious conditioning had affected my wellbeing. These practices opened me to energetic flow and a sense of universal connection.
I began to recognize how blockages from my past, my present challenges, and my reactions were standing in the way of the peace I craved. I discovered there is a truth between science and spirituality—a truth we can feel and trust even if we can’t measure it. Through ongoing energy work and study, I traded feelings of powerlessness for hope, and most importantly, a deeper peace.
My hope is that in working together, you will find your own version of relief and peace, and that you will feel more able to move gently along your path of healing
NAMASTE
This was the first time I ever had a Reiki session and it was an amazing experience. Throughout my session I felt very calm and supported. After the first five minutes I got teary eyed for about half the session, which felt like a therapeutic release. Several times I felt like there was a light weight on me in certain body areas (like a light blanket full of soothing warmth). I even asked Charis if she had put her hands on me, but she had not. Her hands were simply hovering above me on various parts of my body. This Reiki session was a new experience for me, and when is was over I felt relaxed and very much at peace. I hope to have another session with Charis, soon! Marie, NY
Charis is a natural healer. I’ve reached out during some of the most difficult times—for both myself and my dogs—and after each remote session, I feel lighter, held, seen, and gently realigned, even though we’ve never met in person yet! Now, I don’t wait for only the challenging moments—I’m grateful for every session. Charis’ presence is authentic, caring, and truly special.
Book a session and experience it for yourself—you’ll be so glad you did. - With Gratitude, T.eresa, Canada
This was my first Reiki session and I admit that I was skeptical at the outset...Charis gently and patiently explained in layman’s terms how reiki works, putting my mind at ease. I shared with her that too often over many months, I've felt a crushing weight or burden on my chest, but with no physical cause.
During the session, time seemed to stand still. Now and then, I felt the warmth of her hands as she rested them just above my face or head or parts of my body. Charis has an innately soothing presence. The unhurried sense of time passing with no goal or object other than being open and receptive to her treatment, added to the atmosphere of healing.
I didn’t notice it so much then, but in the days following the session – up through and including today – I have felt as though the great weight on my chest has been lifted. Nothing in my life has changed; but, I don’t feel the crushing burden I felt before Charis treated me. If that lightness was a result of my first treatment with Charis, it is worth continuing to see her. - Marcia, NY