Meet the practitioner behind the practice
About Dr. D. Elizabeth "Sunny" Cohen Arts & Reiki Wellness is the culmination of my third career — one that brings together everything I've learned across the arts, research, and healing. For much of my professional life, I worked at the intersection of the arts, media, and education. I earned a PhD, served as a Professor and Researcher whose filmmaking was funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, and was a Senior Research Fellow at the Smithsonian Institution, where I studied digital arts for learning. I taught media, writing, and arts courses at international universities, and my creative life has been equally varied: an award-winning filmmaker, published author, playwright, theater director, and semi-professional jazz vocalist — grounded by an MA in Drama. Alongside my academic work, I've maintained a parallel path as a healer. I have been a Reiki practitioner for nearly 30 years, a Reiki Master for 15, and recently earned certification as a Certified Medical Reiki Master (CMRM) — a credential that authorizes and trains me to accompany clients to medical appointments and procedures, bringing Reiki directly into clinical settings. I also hold a certification in therapeutic writing. At Arts & Reiki Wellness, I integrate Reiki, therapeutic writing, and arts-based practices — informed by the methods of the NeuroArts Blueprint — to help individuals and health communities navigate illness, stress, and life transitions. I am the receipient of a 2026 Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’ (PCA) Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator (CEA) grant program administered by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council in Allegheny County. What I offer: Customized integrative wellness programs for individual patients and health institutions, blending Reiki, writing, and the arts to support those facing health challenges Individual Reiki sessions, including medical Reiki accompaniment for appointments and procedures Reiki training — Levels 1, 2, and 3 Reiki and Arts-for-Wellness classes for organizations Whether you're a patient seeking support and pain relief through treatment, or an institution looking to bring evidence-informed arts and energy practices to your community, I'd welcome the chance to work with you.
Watch my interview on Dr. Bob Dove's Your Spiritual Journey, Episode 90: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFhShDiYTyU
What guides every session?
Every session is designed around your preferences, goals, diagnosis, and where you are in your wellness journey.
Knowledge- and experience-based
Reiki, expressive arts and therapeutic writing grounded in research, certification and years of practice.
Personalized to your treatment plan
Each program is built around your diagnosis, your history, and your own goals for healing.
Instinct respected, science honored
Creative expression and energy work that supplement your medical care.
Companionship through care
A steady, trained, caring presence beside you at appointments, procedures, and in the quiet moments between.
Therapeutic arts and Reiki, built around you
In Bellevue or by distance, or with you at your medical appointments, so you can receive Reiki support no matter where you are.
Partner with a practice that brings Reiki and Expressive Arts into your care
For institutions ready to expand holistic patient care, we offer personalized therapeutic sessions and partnership opportunities. Reach out to discuss how we can support your patients.