Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Reiki Practitioner or Teacher
How do you Pick a Reiki Practitioner or Teacher?
Do you ask questions before choosing a service professional? Did you research your primary care doctor? Did you get recommendations for your plumber and electrician? Most of us have these processes in place. It's especially important to make sure you do your due diligence to find the perfect Reiki practitioner or teacher for you.
Reiki has evolved from Mikao Usui's original teachings, and now there are many schools and teachers with different "flavors." None are good or bad, just different. So how can you find the one who resonates with you? There's an article on Animal Reiki Source titled "8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Animal Reiki Practitioner or Teacher" (find the full article here ). The answers to these questions will tell you a lot about the style and methodology of the person you are thinking of hiring and working with. Here are those question (slightly edited), along with my answers.
1) What is your Reiki experience?
I have been practicing Reiki with humans and animals since Fall 2016, and teaching since June 2018. I've worked with people who were looking to heal physical pain, who wanted tools to help manage anxiety, who were healing from emotional trauma, and who were just curious to experience Reiki relaxation. My experience with animals includes my own rescue pups, pet dogs, shelter dogs, and larger sanctuary animals. If you'd like to know if I have experience with your specific condition or concerns, please send me a message!
2) Do you have a personal meditation practice?
Yes! Personal practice is the key to being a clear and strong channel. My own healing practice lets me be fully there for you on your healing journey. My practice changes from time to time. Right now, I do a lot of meditation with gentle movement (with yoga and tai chi) as well as chanting, in addition to quiet time on my meditation cushion. When I work one-on-one with someone, I am able to give you suggestions on techniques you can do as you create your own personal practice.
3) What is your philosophy about hands-on Reiki treatments?
When treating animals, I follow the Let Animals Lead approach. I will only use hands-on if the animal initiates the touch. When working with people, I make sure we are on the same page regarding comfort levels, and adjust my approach accordingly. If I use touch with my clients, it is very gentle - I do not perform massage therapy or any type of muscle manipulation. Because Reiki does not require touch, it can also be done virtually with a distance session. You can contact me if you’re interested in scheduling a distance session.
4) Can you share a favorite Reiki experience?
Every one! Each experience is so unique. My favorite sessions are the ones where people receive clarity. They come back into the space with a renewed connection to themselves. I can tell by their face that they are changed in the best way. My favorite animal reiki experiences have been when shelter animals are able to relax. There was one dog in particular who was very nervous in her kennel. I took her for a walk and then into a quiet room for some reiki; she darted around the room for a bit, and eventually settled down and plunked on her side with her legs out. She stayed in that relaxed pose for several minutes before jumping up to show me she was done. She was adopted shortly after that session.
5) What is the goal of the treatment or class?
My favorite mantra is Om Anandam Nama - "may I be blissfully unattached from the outcome." Each session and class, my hope is for my client or student to receive whatever it is that they need. It is important to me to set my ego aside to be fully present in the process. With healing as a goal, we must set aside our judgements on what that "should" look like. We will work in tandem as you realize your wholeness from the inside out. Reiki is not meant to cure any disease, although lessening of symptoms is often part of the process.
6) Do you have any written material about the treatment or class I can read?
My manuals and favorite readings come from The International House of Reiki and the works of IHReiki Co-Founder Frans Stiene. I'm happy to send you some of my favorite blog posts. If you're looking to learn more about my process and approach, contact me to schedule a free phone consultation.
7) Do you offer any follow-up support after the treatment or class?
I am always available to my clients and students via email and text. Those are the best ways to reach me, as I don't answer my phone when I'm in session. I get back to questions within a few hours (if it's not overnight!), and for more complex questions, we can schedule a phone call.
8) Do you have references or testimonials?
Yes! I have public reviews on Facebook and Google.
I hope these questions gave you some ideas on how you can select the perfect Reiki Practitioner or Teacher for you, as well as give you some insight into my practice. If you think I might be a good fit for you and your healing journey, I invite you to reach out or schedule your session or class.