If you are considering taking Reiki training, I’d like to share with you some of the most common questions I receive and my answers. 

Do I Need Some Special Skill to Learn Reiki?

Everyone has the ability to learn Reiki and receive a Reiki attunement. The reason for receiving training is unique and personal. One of the many reasons I love Reiki is because of its flexibility to meet us where we are on our life journey. It supports us in achieving our goals, whether they be related to health, personal, spiritual, professional needs or some combination of these. I think people of all ages can learn Reiki, and I offer Reiki classes to kids, teens and families too. My youngest student was 5 years old, and the oldest 74.

What is Reiki and Why Take Training?

All living things require – and have –  lifeforce energy. In western medicine, the study of this concept is ‘biofield science’. The word ‘Reiki’ translated from Japanese refers to this idea of a universal lifeforce of energy. The system of Reiki, which is what you learn in Reiki training and what is offered in a Reiki session, reconnects our awareness with our lifeforce energy. Whether we are conscious of it or not, energy is always moving through us.

From this perspective, the healing system of Reiki is a natural approach to help move energy that is subtle (not visible) and non-subtle (physical), to contribute to flow, harmony and healing in all the ways you can imagine physically and non-physically.

Emotions can represent to us a scale of energy flow. For example, a state of general peace and satisfaction, hopeful, loving, optimistic or some combination of these. Our state of being can positively influence others and our environment. After a Reiki session, what clients most commonly notice initially is how much more relaxed and calmer they feel.

Learning the system of Reiki empowers the practitioner with an effective and practical approach to offer themselves and others support to move energy supporting their goals for well-being, contributing to greater peace. With Reiki, we have a practical means to improve states of well-being and calmness for ourselves and others. Imagine the endless possibilities to make an impact on our families, our communities, the world!

By ‘practitioner’, I mean anyone who has completed Reiki Level One, Level Two or Master/Teacher Level training, meaning that they also have received attunements from a Reiki Master Teacher. In the way that I teach, we are practitioners of Reiki when we complete the training and apply what we learn through ongoing practicing. Reiki is a practice which is ongoing and never a final destination because we’ll always be growing and evolving human beings in our life journeys. A ‘Reiki Master Teacher’ is one who is committed to the mastery of Reiki, which is ever ongoing.

There is beautiful structure for our Reiki practice which includes daily practice, hand placements, attunement process and session flow.

In my Reiki classes, practitioners are encouraged to tune into their inner wisdom or inner knowing. To remain curious, to explore this “space” of what offering Reiki feels like and to observe how it is influencing our perspective and quality of life. If the idea of this feels wobbly to you, this is a part of the Reiki training. We learn the foundational teachings and techniques, and honor our guidance as well, leveraging both in the practice. Many practitioners share this philosophy which is most visibly noticeable in their use of different instruments or tools in their Reiki sessions such as sound healing, crystals, tuning forks, Oracle or tarot cards and essential oils. Versions of Reiki such as Angel Reiki, Intuitive Reiki, Psychic Reiki, Crystal Reiki, Karuna Reiki and Holy Fire Reiki, etc.. are versions of Reiki which wouldn’t be around had the Master Teachers not followed their inner wisdom and guidance to bring their practices into the world.

What Do I Learn in Reiki Training Classes?

There are typically three levels of Reiki Training, and some teachers break out into four levels of training. In my classes, I like to describe the three levels like this:

• Reiki Level One training is an opportunity to learn the Reiki foundations which mainly includes its history, how it works (we’ll cover chakras, auras, meridians), session guidelines, and what happens during an attunement. Reiki Level One is all about developing a relationship with Reiki, feeling it and tuning into it. We could say that we are developing a greater awareness of vibrational highs and lows.
• Reiki Level Two training is a little more ‘technical’ in that it is about learning how to use Reiki symbols in a session. These symbols amplify the Reiki energy for healing and can address emotional issues and additions. Level Two training and attunement enables us to share Reiki at a distance – called ‘distance Reiki’ or ‘remote Reiki’. This means that the practitioner is in one location and the receiver of Reiki – or the situation or relationship – is in another location. This applies to past, present and future situations or needs without hindrance of time. As examples, if there is an unhealed relationship or trauma from the past, the practitioner can offer Reiki to heal this for self and others, for a world situation.
• In Reiki Master/Teacher training, we learn master symbols which anchors our spiritual beingness and presence of Reiki into our physical form. Reiki’s ability to ‘turn on’ becomes most natural and spontaneous. The use of Master/Teacher and Reiki Level Two symbols boosts Reiki significantly in terms of the felt experience as well as the reported & visible results. Additionally, Reiki Master/Teachers receive the attunement and learn how to teach Reiki and attune others.

What Style of Reiki Do You Teach?

I teach Usui Reiki, with Western, Tibetan and Japanese influences. ‘Usui Reiki’ meaning that the hand placements and the symbols you would learn stem from Dr. Usui, the founder of Usui Reiki and the early Master Teachers after him which includes Chujiro Hayashi and Hawayo Takata. My classes are also influenced by different Reiki Master Teachers whom I’ve taken trainings with in different styles of Reiki. Reiki is not religious and does not identify with any religious practices.

What is a Reiki Attunement?

The attunement enables the practitioner to be a channel for Reiki, this ability is with them forevermore. With each level of Reiki, a practitioner is attuned. In the classes I offer, the attunement is required to share Reiki and is only provided by a Reiki Master Teacher. These are offered in the training classes. This is an important part of the class experience.

Are There Any Prerequisites or Requirements for Reiki Level One Training?

There are two requirements if you take Level One training with me. First, that you have at least one 60 minute Reiki session prior to the class. It can be an in-person or remote session, from myself or any other practitioner. The importance of this is to experience Reiki first-hand and to be able to feel what may be different or similar after the attunement. These experiences are part of the practice:  we are exploring what we notice, the sensations, the inner guidance and what is showing up in our life as a result.

The second requirement is a commitment for 21 consecutive days of self-Reiki. Meaning the practitioner gives him/her/themself a Reiki session everyday during this period. This is an important phase in your Reiki practice. One of detoxification, clearing your vessel on every level to be a channel for Reiki. To truly feel its presence in your daily life and the unfolding that takes place with the release that is occurring on the mind, body and spirit.

There is a continuum which can occur during these 21 days, just as there can be after any Reiki training level of attunement or after a Reiki session. There may be periods of tiredness, having some cold symptoms or other bodily symptoms, aches; on the other end of the continuum high energy, ideas flowing and clarity. These are all normal and the symptoms subside. This is an expression of energy moving out, energy that has been ready to release contributing to your improved well-being.

What Are the Prerequisites for Reiki Level Two and Reiki Master/Teacher Training?

It’s not required that you take all levels from me. If you’ve taken Reiki Level One or Two from another Reiki Master Teacher, I do require you to email or text me your certificate in advance of the scheduled class day.

• A Reiki Level One certificate of completion is required to attend Reiki Level Two training.
• A Reiki Level Two certificate of completion is required to attend Reiki Master/Teacher training.
• For Reiki Master/Teacher Training, you will be asked to write the symbols you learned in Reiki Level Two and share how you use the symbols in your current practice.

If you don’t have a daily self-practice in place, taking class is an excellent reason to reactivate this and commit to 21 days of self-Reiki with your new attunement.

What is Your Style of Teaching? How Are Reiki Classes Provided?

I teach small groups and one-on-one classes to foster a learning environment which can be more customized to the group’s interests and learning style. Everyone’s journey to Reiki and reasons/goals for Reiki training are unique and special. I’d describe my teaching style as casual and professional, with an emphasis on using language that is practical, easy to understand and inclusive. Our time together is about creating a safe space to talk about all things Reiki so that you feel and receive support as you begin your Reiki practice. Another aspect of my teaching approach is to encourage curiosity and a playful perspective. Yes, releasing trauma and healing can be heavy with sad emotions, and Reiki enables uplifting, joyful and happy emotions too. Above all, questions are always welcomed and encouraged! No questions are ever off the table in class or long after.

As you might imagine, there is a combination of seated learning time and time for direct application for yourself and others. For in-person classes, hand placements will be practiced on me or yourself. For online classes, hand placements are on yourself and a family member or a teddy bear. For online classes, I demonstrate hand positions using Teddy – an adorable oversized teddy bear.

We take breaks as we need to. All materials are provided at class or shortly before online class. The idea is to not overload you with information, knowing that you will absorb and learn everything you need from the day of class. I’ll also be available to you long after class day (see below) for ongoing support.

Online training for energy work is just as effective as in-person, however everyone learns differently and has different preferences which is why I offer both options. Whatever feels right for you is the best choice.

Why Don’t You Teach Reiki Level One and Reiki Level Two in the Same Weekend or Back to Back?

Reiki Level One is all about developing your relationship with Reiki. Really settling into the foundations you learn, applying what you’ve learned and notice what you notice in your 21 days of self-Reiki. Reiki Level Two focuses on the symbols, taking your Reiki practice to a more powerful level. Since this work is about tuning into energy, inner wisdom and you are learning new ways of sensing and synthesizing all of this, my strong feeling is that a pacing of separating the classes is most supportive for the journey. At least a minimum of 21 consecutive days of self-Reiki in between Level One and Level Two training gives new practitioners a chance to sink into the practice, and then build on that relationship foundation before applying the symbols. Some Reiki teachers teach in the same weekend because this is how they were taught, or for any other variety of reasons we can imagine. The beauty of Reiki class options these days, is that you have a lot of options to choose from! This is why I applaud you for taking time to learn, read and decide what class style feels best for you.

How Much Time Does it Take In Between Levels of Training?

This is a personal journey and practice. There are many organizations and practitioners who have differing guidelines for timing for moving to the next level of Reiki training. Some teachers require so many hours of sessions or so many months or years prior to moving to the next level. In the way I teach, I will always encourage you to follow your inner guidance and wisdom for what feels right for you to move to the next level. All practitioners’ goals for Reiki are different. I invite the conversation with the practitioners who train with me to explore the timing for moving to the next level and what it means to feel ready. I have outlined the requirements for each level of training with me above. There is no merit in rushing Reiki training and practicing Reiki is what being a Reiki practitioner is all about.

Would a Self-Reiki Practice Replace My Meditation Practice?

It can, however it doesn’t need to. I’ve heard from practitioners who have shared with me that they do both – they’ll have a meditation practice and then give themselves Reiki. Either immediately after, or at some other time of day. Some have shared that their self-Reiki feels like an active meditation which suits them in lieu of meditation. Some feel it is important to have both. Gassho meditation is learned in Reiki Level One and is a time for feeling quietude with Reiki. This may feel similar or different to other meditation practices. Only you can decide for yourself what you’d like to do.

Can I Start a Reiki Business After Completing Reiki Level One Training?

Yes you can. You can also begin incorporating Reiki into your other professional work or goals if you feel you’d like to. The way I see it, we live in a time in history where there are new opportunities to explore professions and services to integrate Reiki, thinking about how the practice benefits you and your customers. I’m glad to share with you what I know to support you in your goals. Some more food for thought: many Reiki practitioners – myself included – work part-time as their Reiki business builds.

If I’ve Taken Reiki Level One &/or Two Before, Can I Take It Again If I Wish?

Definitely! There could be any reasons you wish to taking the class again, and the benefits include reinforcing what you’ve learned, covering what you need refreshing on, receiving new materials as reference, gaining insights for how another teacher shares Reiki/their approach, and having another friend and teacher as a resource in your Reiki practice. Additional attunements with Reiki Master Teachers is way okay, follow your guidance for this. In other words, you can have an attunement for Level One with more than one Master Teacher. This can further deepen the intensity of Reiki and the connection you feel, expanding your practice and possibilities. Many teachers, including myself, offer a Repeater Reiki Level One & Two class.

What Kind of Support Do I Receive After My Reiki Training?

I’m here to provide support long after your training day and am available to speak by phone, video call, text or email. I love an ongoing relationship with all of my clients/practitioners in their Reiki journey together. I encourage all clients and practitioners to reach out to me anytime for any questions, thoughts, concerns, insights about Reiki they wish to discuss as their practice continues to unfold.

One of the ways you’ll be able to continue practicing is in Reiki Shares and other practitioner events. I highly encourage practitioners to connect with other practitioners, to practice in an ongoing way and Reiki Shares are a wonderful way to do both. I host these monthly in-person and online.

Can I Purchase or Pay for a Reiki Training for Someone?

Yes. Contact me and you can purchase an electronic or hardcopy gift card.

Can I Still Receive Reiki Sessions After I Complete Reiki Training?

Yes, absolutely. Many practitioners elect to share Reiki with each other as part of their self-care routine as well as to learn how other practitioners provide Reiki sessions. If you’d like to come for Reiki sessions with me after training with me or another practitioner, I welcome this always and I love it. Some practitioners who have taken training with me enjoy using part of their session time to discuss or review things from class as well as talk about what they are noticing in their self-practice.

I wish you all the best in your exploration of learning Reiki! Is there a question you have that I should add above or more information you are seeking? You can request a call with me.

Reiki Blessings,

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