Reiki Healer
What is the work like?
Reiki healing is based on the belief that when someone has physical, mental, emotional or spiritual problems the energy within them is blocked, and the whole body needs to be treated, rather than specific symptoms or areas.
As a Reiki healer, you would use your ability to channel healing energy to relieve problems caused by stress, tension, chronic illness and post-operative pain, and to help clients relax.
Your treatment sessions would last between one and two hours, during which you would:
- explain the process
- take a medical history from the client
- make sure the client is as comfortable as possible (either lying on a couch or seated) before beginning the treatment
- place your hands in a sequence of positions covering the whole body to guide energy and activate the healing process.
As a Reiki healer you would not diagnose individual conditions or advise clients on symptoms or treatments. However, Reiki can be used alongside conventional medicine and other complementary therapies.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
Before you begin a training programme you need to get personal experience of some form of Reiki healing, and show an understanding of the treatment and procedures. Professional bodies, such as the Reiki Association or UK Reiki Federation will advise you on the different systems of Reiki.
You can train either with a Reiki master (teacher) or by attending college courses. The training method you choose will depend on which system of Reiki you want to follow.
Training with a Reiki master
The Reiki Association or UK Reiki Federation will help you find a suitable Reiki master.
When you train with a master you will start by going through a series of 'attunements' or initiations. These are procedures performed by the Reiki master to 'attune' you to energy so you can receive it and pass it on to others.
College Courses
You can attend college courses ranging from introductory to advanced level. Some courses lead to a certificate or diploma awarded by an organisation such as VTCT (the Vocational Training Charitable Trust).
There are three levels of training:
- level one allows you to perform Reiki on yourself
- level two allows you to treat patients
- level three – at this level you are considered to be a Reiki master, qualified to teach others if you wish.
It takes at least three years' training to gain full Reiki master status. You will be expected to have practised Reiki regularly on yourself and others during this time.
You may find experience or qualifications in anatomy and physiology useful, and possibly essential for entry to some courses. It can also be helpful if you have experience of working in a caring profession, although this is not essential.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are qualified you can become a member of one of the professional Reiki organisations. The Reiki Association and UK Reiki Federation both run membership schemes that will give you access to events, networking opportunities and courses to help you continue your professional development.
The Reiki Regulatory Working Group (RRWG) has been set up to provide a single register of practitioners in the UK. They are working to develop national occupational standards and a regulatory body for Reiki. See the RRWG website for details.
Where can I go for more information?
PO Box 1785Andover
SP11 0WB
Tel: 0870 850 2209
Eastleigh House
Upper Market Street
Eastleigh
Hampshire
SO50 9FD
Tel: 023 8068 4500
Fenay Bridge
Huddersfield
HD8 0BD
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Self-employed Reiki healers charge anything between £20 and £70 for a session lasting one to two hours. Rates vary depending on the area of the country and the length of the session.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Most Reiki healers are self-employed and run their own practices. This means that you could choose your own working hours, although you may have to offer evening and weekend appointments to meet the needs of your clients.
You would normally work from treatment rooms that may be at your home or in an alternative therapy or natural health clinic.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- patience
- a sensitive and non-judgmental approach
- the ability to empathise with clients
- good spoken communication skills
- accurate record-keeping skills
- the ability to inspire confidence in clients.
What opportunities are there?
You would usually be self-employed, but there is growing demand for alternative therapy practitioners in the NHS.
As a self-employed Reiki healer you could combine your practice with other therapies, such as reflexology, massage and aromatherapy.
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