What does a Reiki practitioner do?
Reiki is a complementary energy healing technique that uses gentle touch to promote relaxation and relieve stress and anxiety. Reiki practitioners use their hands to deliver energy to your body, enhancing the flow and balance of your energy to promote healing. The belief is that the practitioner can stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities. Working as a Reiki practitioner can be a rewarding and fulfilling career for individuals who are passionate about helping others and supporting their healing and wellness journey.
Useful skills and attributes to have include:
- sensitivity and compassion
- verbal communication skills
- understanding of biology
- curiosity and openness
- empathetic and/or intuitive
For an in-depth look into Reiki, what it can help with and what clients can expect in a session visit our Reiki information page.
Where do Reiki practitioners work?
Reiki practitioners can work in a variety of settings, based on their own preferences, clientele, and area of practice. Many practitioners set up a dedicated area in their home, whilst others may work in a therapy facility or spa. Some may even offer a mobile service where they travel to clients' homes. Reiki is also used in hospitals and clinics as part of complementary and integrative programmes to support patients with their care and rehabilitation. It is also sometimes used in palliative care, such as hospices.
It's important to remember that Reiki is a complementary therapy and should not be used to replace medical treatments. However, individuals with certain health conditions might consider using Reiki alongside their regular treatment. For example, some cancer patients may find Reiki helpful for relaxation. Since Reiki is a natural treatment, there are no contraindications, making it generally safe for everyone. However, it’s recommended to discuss clients' medical history so you can take any necessary precautions.
In this video, Reiki practitioner Sheri Werner shares valuable tips and guidance for individuals considering a career as a Reiki practitioner.
What qualifications do I need?
Reiki is a voluntary regulated therapy which has a Core Curriculum and National Occupational Standards. National Occupational Standards (NOS) are the minimum required training and knowledge which need to be passed on and understood by a student in order to operate a professional practice. You can find out more about Core Curriculum and Occupational Standards on the UK Reiki Federation website.
Practitioners can apply to become verified by the CNHC once they meet the required criteria, enabling them to expand their work opportunities. The CNHC are the independent UK regulator for complementary healthcare practitioners. Established with government support, the CNHC aims to protect the public by maintaining a voluntary register of health practitioners in the UK. This register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, an organisation accountable to Parliament.
Reiki practitioners should have completed various levels of training before practising on clients, including:
Level 1 (first degree): This is an initial stage that creates physical energy channels. This enables practitioners to connect with the universal life force energy. The purpose of Reiki level 1 training is to practise self-healing.
Level 2 (second degree): Practitioners who complete this level will get the 'Reiki symbols'. These enable the practitioner to establish a deeper connection with the universal energy. This, in turn, allows individuals to practise Reiki on others.
Level 3 (third degree/Reiki Master): This is considered the teacher's level and is not required prior to treating clients. Graduates can 'attune' new Reiki practitioners after completing Level 3. Becoming a Reiki Master demonstrates a strong commitment to the Reiki practice.
For guidance on what to look for when starting therapy training, read our tips for choosing a training course/organisation.
Do I need to join a professional body?
A Reiki practitioner is not legally required to register with a professional body. However, registration is encouraged. Joining a professional body allows you to demonstrate your professionalism and credibility to clients while also staying current on industry techniques and trends. The CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council) is a voluntary register for therapists who have met certain practitioner standards. Registering with the CNHC allows Reiki practitioners to demonstrate that they meet national standards of practice in their work whilst also allowing access to helpful industry updates, resources and advice.
Some other professional organisations to consider joining include:
- UK Reiki Federation
- The Reiki Association (TRA)
Joining the UK Reiki Federation offers a range of benefits for practitioners and enthusiasts at any stage of their Reiki journey. Members can access learning, career advancement opportunities, support and community through events including Reiki shares, online business training and development, exclusive website resources and information.
Membership to the UK Reiki Federation offers preferential insurance rates and guidance. Becoming a member of the UK Reiki Federation empowers individuals in a meaningful and holistic way.Urmi Raval, Compliance, Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator, UK Reiki Federation
What happens after I’ve qualified?
After you’ve qualified as a Reiki practitioner, you may choose to practise part-time alongside a permanent job. This enables you to earn qualifications while working full-time, allowing you to begin building your client base while you learn. From there, you may choose to work within an organisation or go full-time self-employed. It’s important to ensure you have insurance to cover public liability and follow any legal requirements, such as registering your business if needed. This is to protect both you and your clients.
How can I market myself?
If you want to make a living as a Reiki practitioner, creating a strong online presence is key. With your own website, you can showcase your services and background and provide additional information about yourself to your clients. Establishing a social media presence can help you interact with more people and extend your client base. It’s also recommended to produce regular content such as blogs, videos, or podcasts. For example, you could share videos demonstrating Reiki principles and what clients can expect from a session. This allows you to promote your services whilst also engaging clients on a more personal level.
It’s useful to consider the clients you most want to work with, including their demographics, interests, and specific needs. Are you especially interested in helping people with chronic pain, stress, or emotional issues? Do you connect strongly with a certain age group or community? Knowing your ideal client will help you focus on your niche and tailor your services to meet their needs.
Joining Therapy Directory is an additional option worth considering. We help clients find you by providing an established website with an optimised web presence, the ability to publish articles and events, and support from our dedicated membership services team. We also support your marketing by offering networking opportunities, a sense of community with other members, and resources in our marketing hub. Learn more about joining us and what we have to offer.
What is Continued Professional Development?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) refers to the enhancement and development of the skills you gained from your initial Reiki training. This ensures your skills and knowledge are up to date with the latest techniques, rules and regulations of the industry so that you can practise safely. CPD opportunities can either be found through our events section or through other organisations (such as professional bodies and training organisations).
All professional organisations require practitioners to complete CPD after the first year of joining. For example, the UK Reiki Federation requires practitioners to undertake 12 hours of CPD each year, eight hours of which need to be Reiki specific and four hours that may be for general professional development. This may include reflection or research. It’s important to note that CPD does cost money, so it’s advisable to budget for the expense.
Useful resources
If you want to learn more about how to become a Reiki practitioner, the following resources may be useful:
