The Sharing of Spiritual Experiences during Reiki Sessions

Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master

It is not unusual for Reiki clients to report some kind of spiritual experiences they’ve recently had. Perhaps, a client reports an angel appeared to her in a dream and the angel felt “real” to her. She talks about how beautiful, strong and peaceful the angel felt. The angel spoke to her with loving, encouraging words. When she told you this story, it also felt real to you. Every detail she gave fit within your framework of how angels communicate and why they appear to human beings. Her sharing reinforced your own beliefs about angels and other spiritual beings.

Other clients may share spiritual experiences that do not resonate with you. Perhaps, the client believes in aliens living on earth, among us; or, ascribes to a religious belief that is in opposition to your own beliefs.

How should we react to our clients’ spiritual experiences and beliefs that are different than, or in opposition, to our own?

The most important response we can give, as Reiki practitioners, is a safe, non-judgmental one. By actively listening to a client’s experience, we create an atmosphere of openness and acceptance. We should never show any judgment, either in our facial expressions, or in our words. We should validate the client’s experience.

Due to our role as Reiki practitioners, people will assume we are open-minded, supportive and loving. Frequently, we are the first – and maybe only – person with whom the client has shared this event. Whether or not we believe angels appear in dreams, or whether aliens are on earth during the present time, we realize something special is happening. The client trusts us enough to share something that others may judge, laugh at, or dismiss. Listening – and accepting the client’s experience – is vitally important. This does not mean that you have to believe every concept is true, but rather you are holding space for the expression of someone else’s beliefs and experiences.

We must always create a safe environment for our clients. Providing validation is as simple as making supportive statements, such as: “This is an area where I do not have much knowledge, can you tell me more about it.” Or, “What an interesting dream, what are some of the details you remember?” The interest itself is validating.

However, we do not need to feel obligated to share our beliefs, religious or spiritual affiliations, or other personal information with clients. Ask for spiritual guidance if a client asks you a direct question that is uncomfortable for you, and then follow the wisdom that is given. If a client asks what religion you are, you can answer with a statement such as, “I am open to many spiritual beliefs and like to explore different ones. Are you aware of the many religions in our own town?” Giving a broad answer, followed up with a question to the client, is a method that works! Remember – the session is for the benefit of the client and refocusing the conversation back to the client is important.

The Reiki session will always be a healing experience for the client. Paying attention to other aspects of what occurs beyond the Reiki treatment itself can add another layer of enrichment for the client.

Blessings to you and every session that you provide for others!

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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.