The Importance of Mentoring Support

Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master

One of the best parts of being a clinical social worker is the opportunity for continued professional growth and understanding. Being part of a clinical supervision group, or connecting with other social workers in a large agency or institution, is an essential part of therapeutic work. It is necessary to present new situations, or problems, to other professionals to gain a broader perspective, or check ourselves that we are being helpful to clients. It is one of the most essential – and fun – parts of my career.

Does a similar model exist in Reiki practice, or any other energy-healing modality? Although it is not a formalized aspect of Reiki practice, I have seen it occur in our community. Usually, this is in the form of finding a mentor – someone who has been in practice longer than yourself. Or, it exists in the practice of checking in with your Reiki Master from time to time. Although I have been practicing Reiki for sixteen years, I am still in touch with my Reiki Master, as well as other Reiki practitioners in my community.

Here are some examples of when you might want to reach out to another practitioner:

• A Reiki client made you uncomfortable, and you don’t know why
• A first-time, unusual occurrence before, during or after a session
• Rising doubts about Reiki’s effectiveness, or your practice methods
• Other issues causing lack of self-confidence
• Ethical or legal issues
• A difficult situation you handled, and you wonder if it was the best course of action
• A difficult client who questioned everything about Reiki, and you are unsure if your answers were adequate
• Receiving support from another Reiki practitioner would be helpful
  

  Image by jamie_nakamura

And, remember when you reach out to another practitioner, you may be giving them just what s/he needs too! As a clinical social work supervisor, I find when I explain a concept, or offer a solution to a problem, I learn just as much as the supervisee. Explaining something to someone else solidifies it within my own mind, and it affects my practice in a positive way. I also share my own difficult cases, and we can brainstorm and problem-solve together. A fresh perspective can shed light on an aspect I had not considered. These times can be enriching for both of us.

Although developing a Reiki practice is exciting and fulfilling, working with clients can be challenging at times. Having support from other practitioners and like-minded professionals can be a strong component of maintaining ourselves, and our practices, for many years. Perhaps, you have known very excited, motivated Reiki practitioners but they seem to burn out quickly. Perhaps, you have experienced Reiki practitioners who have been practicing for a decade, or two, and they are fully committed. What is the difference? I contend one important factor is a strong support system. The model of mentorship, or intentionally finding helpful support, is a positive support for many. And, providing support to others is always a great way to support your own practice.

This is yet another gift of Reiki.

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Deborah Lloyd is a Usui and Karuna Reiki® Master and certified holistic therapy practitioner, providing Distant Reiki sessions and training in Asheville, NC. Deborah is the author of two books, 22 Messages from the Archangels; and, Believe and it is True: A Story of Healing and Life Lessons. She is also one of the co-authors of Reiki 101: 101 Answers for Your Reiki Questions. Reach Deborah at deb@deblloydhealing.com and on Facebook at Deb Lloyd Healing.