Alex Payton
Sometimes life changes before we know what comes next.
People often find me when something in their life is changing. An identity may be shifting. A relationship may be changing. They may be recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. They may be carrying a new level of responsibility or moving through a period of uncertainty. Sometimes they simply know that the way they've been living no longer feels right. You don't have to know exactly what needs to change before you come. My work is for that space between who you've been and who you're becoming. I help people meet the pressure of change without losing connection with themselves — finding steadiness when things feel uncertain, recognizing patterns that may no longer serve them, and allowing change to become something they can actually live rather than simply understand.
Alex's journey
I'm Alex Payton, a Reiki Master and Holistic Health Practitioner based in San Diego, California. I first learned Reiki while studying massage and Traditional Chinese Medicine at Pacific College of Health and Science. At the time, I found hands-on bodywork physically and energetically draining. Reiki felt different. I had more stamina, and the work felt intuitive and sustainable. My own experience with emotional healing eventually led me deeper into energy work, somatic awareness, and embodiment. I've also studied ThetaHealing® and spent 10 years working one-on-one with a mentor in that practice. Over time, I came to understand something that now sits at the center of my work: lasting change doesn't come from someone else giving us the right answer. It comes from developing a deeper relationship with ourselves. We begin to notice what we're feeling, understand what we need, recognize our patterns, and learn to trust our own inner guidance. That changed the way I practice.
I don't see my role as telling you what your experience means or telling you what to do. I witness what is present, offer perspective when it is useful, and help you become more aware of what you already know within yourself. At the heart of my work is: self-connection → witnessing → repatterning. When we can see what is happening within us without becoming defined by it, we have more choice in how we respond. Over time, new ways of relating to ourselves can become embodied. I don't transform people. I help create the conditions for them to participate consciously in their own transformation. Earlier in my life, I spent three years providing caregiving support to people with disabilities. That experience taught me a great deal about presence, patience, and meeting each person where they are. My approach is also informed by my Japanese heritage and Buddhist lineage, with an understanding of body, mind, and spirit as an interconnected whole. Through Medical Reiki, I offer a quiet, relational space to settle, listen inward, and notice what is present.
“I don't transform people. I help create the conditions for them to participate consciously in their own transformation.”
Reiki gives me a way to work with what is happening beneath the surface without needing to analyze or explain everything. My background in somatic awareness and energy work helps me notice patterns, sensations, emotions, and shifts as they arise. Reiki allows me to witness those experiences without taking authority over them. I'm not there to tell you what is happening. I'm there to be present enough to help you notice it for yourself. For me, this is where meaningful change can begin: connecting with yourself, becoming aware of what is happening, and allowing new ways of responding to take shape.
Reiki · Somatic Awareness · Meditation / Guided Grounding · Sound Healing
- Reiki master
- 10 years in practice
I first learned Reiki as an elective while studying massage and Traditional Chinese Medicine at Pacific College of Health and Science during my Holistic Health Practitioner program.
At the time, I found hands-on bodywork physically and energetically draining. When I learned Reiki, something felt different. I naturally had more stamina, and the work felt much more intuitive and sustainable for me.
That experience was what first drew me to Reiki and eventually led me to make it a central part of my practice.
Alongside my Reiki training, I’ve studied Basic and Advanced ThetaHealing® and worked one-on-one with a ThetaHealing® mentor for 10 years. Earlier in my life, I also spent three years providing caregiving support to people with disabilities while completing my general education in college. That experience taught me a great deal about presence, patience, and meeting each person where they are.
Each session is individualized around what is most present for you. We begin with a brief conversation about what you're experiencing and anything you'd like to bring attention to. You'll then rest comfortably while I work with Reiki and remain present with what unfolds. There is nothing you need to perform, figure out, or make happen. You may experience deep relaxation, changes in awareness or physical sensation, emotional release, or simply a greater sense of connection with yourself. When relevant, I may share an intuitive reflection from the session — not as an answer, but as something for you to consider. I offer sessions both in person in San Diego and online.
Their websiteGaiachildhealing.com
Provides receipts you may be able to use for insurance or reimbursement — HSA/FSA cards accepted. Itemized receipts are available for clients to submit to their insurance or HSA/FSA provider for reimbursement. Reimbursement is not guaranteed and depends on your plan.. Check with your plan.
“She has a certain way about her that makes you feel safe, loved and understood. Every session I would come out feeling less anxious, a bit more clear about life and most importantly feeling better emotionally and mentally. Her touch and intuition is such a gift. Her sessions hit so many senses! Sound bowls, healing crystals, essential oils all complement her amazing work! I look forward every month to our sessions! They are a must in my self care routine!”
“Love Alex's energy: her intuition and knowledge is amazing. She has the most calming voice and touch that it didn't take long for me to relax. After the session I felt so relaxed and lightweight like all my worries had been melted away.”
“Her light shines through in every Reiki session. She absolutely loves and believes in Reiki!!!!! She gets the power of Reiki, and its really important for me to receive treatments from practitioners who are deeply passionate and believe in what they do. Alex is deeply intuitive, safe, trusting, and moves the energy in very gentle yet profound ways.”
My Reiki practice is for people moving through significant transitions, recovery, uncertainty, or periods of change who want space to reconnect with themselves and understand what is happening within them. A session begins with a brief conversation about what is present for you and anything you’d like to bring attention to. From there, you’ll rest comfortably while I work with Reiki and remain present with whatever unfolds. There’s nothing you need to perform, figure out, or make happen. Reiki offers a quiet space to slow down, settle, and become more aware of yourself. You may experience deep relaxation, shifts in awareness or physical sensation, emotional release, or simply a greater sense of connection with yourself. When relevant, I may also share an intuitive reflection from the session — not as an answer, but as something for you to consider.
Reiki is not about diagnosing, fixing, or telling you what your experience means. I don’t direct your healing, make decisions for you, or tell you how you should move forward. My role is not to carry you through a transition or provide the answers for you. It is to create the conditions for you to slow down, become more aware of what is happening within you, and develop your own ability to navigate what you’re moving through. Reiki is complementary to medical, mental health, therapeutic, and wellness care. It is not a substitute for medical treatment, psychotherapy, or other licensed professional care when those are needed. You also don’t need to arrive with a problem that needs to be solved. The work is less about finding an immediate answer and more about developing a deeper awareness of yourself and what you’re experiencing.
My Holistic Health Practitioner background informs how I approach Reiki, but I keep the roles distinct. My Reiki practice is complementary and is not a substitute for medical care, therapy, or other licensed professional care. I don’t diagnose, treat, or direct someone’s care based on my HHP training. That distinction is important to me because it allows Reiki to remain what it is: a practice centered on awareness, self-connection, and the person’s own experience.