How to Choose a Reiki Practitioner or Teacher

It seems like more and more people are hearing about the marvelous benefits of Reiki every day.

It’s become common place to read articles about Reiki, to hear about celebrities who swear by it, and to hear intriguing reports from friends and family members.

It is fabulous to see awareness of Reiki spreading so rapidly, and this rapid increase in awareness has brought with it some interesting challenges.

With the advent of the internet and the rapid communication of ideas, it is easy for people to talk about Reiki and let people know about their services and classes.

This is a wonderful thing!

But how do we go about choosing the right teacher for us, or the right practitioner to go see for a healing session when there are so many to choose from?

There is one simple question I suggest asking beforehand that will make your decision much easier.

Who did you study with, and where did you receive your certification?

Qualified Reiki practitioners and Teachers will have certification and will love sharing with you about who they studied with and where they received their training.

Be aware that Usui Reiki Ryoho must be taught in person, as training is passed on directly from Reiki Master to Reiki student.

Since Reiki is not regulated the way some other modalities such as acupuncture are, there can be a wide discrepancy when it comes to the quality and integrity of the training offered.

Some even offer online attunements***, which are not valid for Usui Reiki Ryoho and are not accepted by reputable Reiki professional organizations. 

Unfortunately, many do not realize this and purchase very low cost training from an online source and do not know that what they have received is not valid training.

These online classes can usually be completed very quickly, without adequate time to practice the skills learned in each level, daily self reiki and character building through the precepts.

Online attunements are not recognized by professional Reiki organizations.

Here are a couple other tips that will go a long way to finding the right person to work with:

• Check out the practitioner or teacher listings on a professional reiki organization’s website like the International Association of Reiki Practitioners.  Members will be vetted, have valid certification and adhere to the organization’s code of conduct.
• Ask to see their certification and inquire about who they studied with, and if they received online or in-person training.
• Look for reviews, testimonials and client feedback.  If they are experienced working with clients, they will have plenty to share with you!
• If they offer a free consultation, book one in and see if you feel like your energies “click” together, and notice the feeling you get when you speak with them.  Do you feel calm, comfortable and respected?  Do you feel empowered, positive and confident after talking with them?
• Pay attention to how they communicate with you.  Notice if they listen to you and honor your intentions for healing.

Facilitating healing with Reiki is a sacred gift that deserves to be treated with respect.

If you are choosing a Reiki practitioner or Reiki Teacher, it makes sense to choose someone who is devoted to their practice and has invested in quality training.

A reputable and experienced Reiki practitioner will be happy to know that you value the energy and time they have invested into their practice, and will be glad to answer any questions you might have.

There are many wonderful Reiki practitioners and Teachers who are doing great work to spread these teachings and empowering people to heal themselves through Reiki as a spiritual practice.

May your experiences with Reiki be blessed with healing light, peace and joy.

Reiki Blessings,

Krystle Ash

P.S.  I offer in depth, experiential and grounded Reiki training and the next class I am offering for Level One is coming up this month!  If you are feeling called to learn Reiki, I invite you to check out the class info here, and welcome you to reach out to me by email if you’d like to set up a 20 minute consultation first.

*** Please note that distance healing is completely valid and recognized, however the Reiju or attunements given with Usui Reiki training must be completed in person.  A Reiki practitioner must have valid training of Reiki Level One and Reiki Level Two at minimum to provide services on a professional basis.  Reiki Master-Teachers must have completed all 4 levels of in-person Usui Reiki Ryoho training with a certified, reputable Reiki Master-Teacher.