Training in Reiki healing can be a vastly empowering experience, it can be the key that unlocks life changing healing and transformation. I started my journey of energy healing 8 years ago with the hands-on-healing technique Reiki. I had one energy healing session prior to training, and knew I was meant to pursue it. I signed up for Reiki I with a local teacher who had a wonderful reputation for healing, and had worked directly with William Rand, the originator of the Usui/Tibetan system of Reiki and founder and president of The International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT), The Center for Reiki Research and The Reiki Membership Association. I practiced as a Reiki Master Teacher for 7 years before I taught.
It’s common to feel a yearning and pull that leads you into this work. It’s a journey guided by your soul, that is less about working on and ‘healing’ others, and more about healing yourself. I often tell my students that Reiki, along with your higher self, will know when you’re ready to start or pursue the next level. When that time comes, energy healing will enter your awareness, interest, and guide you to the right teacher and training meant for you. Choosing your teacher is an important step on your journey. Their approach, beliefs, attitude, ethics, and professionalism are highly influential to you and the integrity of this sacred work. It’s important to do your research and learn from a teacher with whom you resonate with.
Below are few things to consider when finding a teacher and will help give an idea of which teachers you feel a connection with. The most important piece of information I encourage is to listen and trust is your intuition. It will lead you to the right teacher and training that is for your highest good, growth, and healing. If you’re feeling unclear or unsure, I suggest prayer and meditation to help guide your way. Prayer will open the line of communication with God and meditation will give you the opportunity to receive God’s guidance through your inner knowing.
What is the length of time the teacher been practicing energy healing? How many clients have they worked on?
The most skilled and knowledgeable teachers typically have plenty of energy healing experience before they begin teaching. Just because someone is teaching, doesn’t mean they should be. It’s important to know if your teacher has had enough personal experience before they begin teaching. Length of time isn’t always indicative of experience; it can also be good to ask approximately how many clients they’ve worked on.
Who are their teachers? Do they have respect for the lineage and other teachers? What are the testimonials others are sharing?
This can give you an idea about their life, influences, and lineage. In a world fueled by the loud, self-centered flashiness, and instant gratification of the ego, honoring of our past and the teachers who came before us, is becoming lost. Respect, knowledge, and appreciation for the lineage, as well as for current colleagues, are part of integrity. No one who does this work should act as if they are above or better than anyone else. They should never imply they have all the power. In addition, other people’s experiences can give you an idea of what you can expect to learn and/or gain from the teacher.
What is their lifestyle?
The energy that you feed your body, mind, and spirit matters. Are you looking for a teacher who has a particular spiritual or health-related practice? It could be beneficial if they were passionate about similar environmental, social, world or humanitarian issues as you. Getting to know who your teacher is, what they stand for, and how they nourish their life can reflect their teachings and the type of energy they bring to training.
Do they know other modalities, taken other classes or have additional certifications?
Energy healing training varies widely from teacher to teacher. Everyone has their own practice and feel. It can be beneficial to know what context your teacher works in and what other healing modalities they have experience with.
Do they incorporate additional tools such as crystals, herbs, cards, or essential oils?
For some people, using tools like the ones mentioned above, can be distracting and unnecessary, while for others, they add depth to the experience. Also asking, what levels do they teach? What specifically is taught and covered in class? How long are trainings? Do you get supervised practice time? What is the fee, and what does the fee cover?
I hope that this has brought some clarity to you as you navigate your healing journey. If you are seeking further guidance and have any questions I would be happy to help. If you are a practicing Reiki healer and have anything you would like to share in addition to these suggestions I would love to hear from you.
Cheers to Wellness!