What Training Do I Need to Be a Professional Reiki Practitioner?
This article is for those looking to take Reiki training with the intention of working professionally with the public, delivering Reiki treatments in the UK.
The general requirements in the UK are to have completed Reiki training courses to a practitioner level, in Jikiden Reiki, which would be completing both the Shoden (beginner level) and Okuden (deeper level). In Western approaches to Reiki, this will be to complete both Reiki levels 1 and 2.
In Jikiden Reiki, we commonly teach both these levels together, as 3 days of training. I tend to teach Shoden (2 days of training) over one weekend and then Okuden (1 day of training) the following Saturday. In many Western Reiki approaches, they require gaps in time between taking these levels; 3 months is common. In Jikiden Reiki, we don’t have such an idea. We teach you the whole Reiki system, and then you can start practising the whole system. For more on this topic see my article: Should I Attend Both Reiki Courses Together or Separately? It's something just to be aware of if timing is a factor for you. You can always speak to the Reiki teacher you are thinking of learning with to clarify this point regarding their training courses.
To work professionally with the public, you would need insurance to practice. Insurance companies consider this level of training to be the level of training that matches the ‘practitioner level’. Some Reiki courses even use such terms for their course levels. You would get a Reiki certificate from your Reiki training, and that would be what the insurance company would want to see to provide you with insurance. They tend to accept most course providers.
Note: If you are considering joining a Reiki association after your Reiki training, do so, then get insurance, as most will have a heavily discounted block insurance scheme with an insurance broker company, as we do with the Reiki association I helped to set up and run, the Jikiden Reiki UK Association. Most associations will have a discount scheme. Just ensure insurance is in place before working with the public, either professionally or voluntarily.
Note: It has long been the position in Reiki and insurance companies that online Reiki training is not considered an adequate level of training. I agree. As much as challenges I have with Reiki training out there, at least ensure it's in person, primarily as Reiju, or in Western Reiki, they do a similar process called an attunement- the process to clear channels in you so you can use Reiki and have it coming out of your hands effectively must be delivered in person. If you want to read me having a rant/ discussing why this topic is so important, see my article: Are online Reiki Courses a Good idea?
This position might change in the future with insurance companies, if it does its more commercial reasons, definitely not the quality of training that will provide you with the Reiki skills to work effectively in a professional capacity. I would caution anyone looking at online Reiki courses wanting to go in a professional direction.
Tied into this point quality of the Reiki training courses you choose is key, as the effectiveness of the clearing you receive (Reiju)/ attunement will determine how well (or not) Reiki energy is actually flowing out of your hands. I have seen a wide range of effective flow of energy from different Reiki courses. As a professional practitioner, you would want it to be as good as possible.
In addition, what you get taught within Reiki courses differs greatly, so consider what Reiki training courses you take with some care. If the training is limited or inaccurate, you are not best prepared to deliver effective Reiki treatments professionally. To help you with this, see my article: Finding the Right Reiki Course and Teacher for You.
Once your Reiki training to this level is completed and you have insurance, you can technically begin delivering Reiki sessions professionally to the public. For those already therapists, where Reiki is another modality, they wish to offer, they might begin straight away. For those new to therapy, a period of building experience and confidence is usually beneficial. Your Reiki training will have shown you how to go about delivering a session; you might want to practice a bit, or not.
Remember, you are channelling Reiki energy, and the healing energy goes from you for the recipient to absorb and use to promote healing, so practitioner skill is less of an issue than, say, something like acupuncture, where it would be. The key with Reiki treatment is that you are in the right place for long enough and understand key concepts for delivering effective treatments, like byosen, which we teach you in authentic Japanese Jikiden Reiki training courses. In Reiki, you can help people in a big way with little experience with the right training.
So, as far as Reiki training is concerned, that is what you need to start as a Reiki professional practitioner in the UK. Beyond that, I would look at training in the business and marketing side of being a professional Reiki practitioner, as this is an area many Reiki practitioners neglect, and this is commonly the cause of many well-trained Reiki practitioners not making it as professional Reiki practitioners. See my article: How to build a successful Reiki Practice for discussion on this topic. For help on this topic, see my Reiki business and Marketing courses.
If you would like to find out more about learning authentic Japanese Jikiden Reiki (how Usui Reiki was originally taught in Japan), see my Reiki courses page.
I am mainly known nowadays for my work with Reiki, as a specialist in authentic Japanese Reiki. I am an experienced, Reiki teacher and practitioner with a proven track record of results. I offer Jikiden Reiki training courses, promoting authentic Japanese Reiki teachings. I am based in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, in the UK. I have a background in coaching and training in the areas of exercise coaching, holistic lifestyle, fitness, and performance coaching. I also have a BSc.(Hons) degree in Sport and Exercise Science, for more information visit: www.shaunmckeown.com
The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. Shaun Mckeown, disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.