The Professional Reiki Session – A New Perspective (Part 1/4)

Article by Kathleen Johnson

When I first began practicing Reiki, I was very careful to “go by the book”, as do many new Reiki practitioners. I took care to complete all the hand positions, always in the precise order I had learned them, and felt uncomfortable deviating from the prescribed procedure. I frequently referred to my manual to reassure myself that I had done everything required in a session, and that I had not missed a step. After all, I did not want to do it “wrong.”

However, as time went on, I began to understand that I, as the practitioner, had very little to do with what was happening in a session, except acting as facilitator and channel for this wonderful healing energy. To my amazement, I slowly realized that the Reiki energy was guiding my sessions, not I! At that time, this realization was nothing short of remarkable for me, although it now seems so obvious. Yes, I had learned this in my Reiki Level 1 class, and our teacher reassured me (several times) that Reiki is an intelligent energy and knows what to do for the recipient’s highest good. However, as a natural skeptic, I still had doubts and wondered if this sense of “guidance” was merely a figment of my sometimes-overactive imagination.

But Reiki was very patient with me, and eventually, I relaxed into the knowledge that Reiki knows far better than I what the recipient needs in a session. That knowledge, and my acceptance of it, helped release the need to control the session, the outcome, and the total experience. As part of my growing self-understanding and awareness, I also realized that my desire to conduct the “perfect” session was primarily fear-based and born of an unruly ego. Reiki gently led me through this period of self-understanding as it demonstrated time and again its unerring ability to provide exactly what is needed at any given time.

And as I gradually released control, I became aware that sessions were taking on a life of their own. I regularly received clear guidance about how to conduct the session, including the positions and movements of my hands, what techniques to implement, and other information of benefit to the client. Additionally, this information and guidance was always completely customized and specific for each recipient’s needs at the time of the session.

New techniques were also introduced to me through Reiki’s guidance. I received clear instructions on how to incorporate them into the session, and also simply understood why they were recommended. It was, and still is, a fascinating and humbling journey – for my clients and myself.

Over the years, Reiki has worked with me to develop a comprehensive procedure for a Professional Reiki Session (PRS), and it has also guided me to share that information in this article. It is my sincere hope and intention that it inspires an even greater respect for this wondrous energy and offers a new perspective about its effectiveness as well as its emerging status as a mainstream healing modality. As Reiki practitioners and professionals, it is incumbent upon all of us to continue elevating the practice of Reiki as we move into the New Consciousness. This extraordinary gift, and those whom it serves, deserve nothing less.

Additionally, it is important to remember that because Reiki is self-evolving and developing, it continues to teach us about how we may best be of service. Reiki practitioners also know that Reiki guides each and every one of us to the style and practice that is optimal for us as individuals – the “best way” is the one that is right for you!

With this in mind, I have discovered, through Reiki’s guidance, that the following description of a session is the right way for me as a Reiki Professional (RP) and allows me to hold a safe space of unconditional caring for my clients and students, so I may be a clear channel for its healing and insight. It is written from my perspective and is offered as an example of Reiki’s amazing ability to guide us in our practice inasmuch as we allow. I also know that my practice will continue to develop and evolve as Reiki leads the way.

The Professional Reiki Session (PRS)

From an energetic standpoint, the PRS preparations begin at the time the appointment is made, which sends the message and the intention to the Universe. At that time, I begin sending Reiki to the session in advance by invoking the Holy Fire symbol and HSZSN (Time-Distance Symbol).

On the day of the session, I carefully prepare the healing space and myself prior to the recipient’s arrival. Several years ago, I created a preparation checklist for this purpose, which has been very helpful and is still in use for every session. In addition to practical considerations, my preparations include an energetic cleansing of the healing space (and myself) with the Holy Fire Reiki symbol and the use of crystal singing bowls. However, a simple intention to clear and cleanse the space with Reiki is also effective, as is any other method that resonates with the practitioner.

The next step is the invocation on behalf of the client/recipient. With hands in the Gassho position, an intention is set for the recipient’s deep healing and blessing, as well as intending that ego, personality, expectations, and challenges step aside so that I may be a clear and pure channel for Reiki. The assistance of spirit guides, Reiki guides, and third heaven energies, is invited and welcomed, and an expression of gratitude is offered for their guidance, support, comfort, and love. I also affirm that the healing space is a place of peace, love, light, and joy, and welcome only those fully in the Light.

With hands still in Gassho, I raise them to the third eye, and request that Reiki guide my hands to those areas most in need, and that any information received on behalf of the recipient be clear, relevant, and beneficial.

My invocations take place in the healing space because I can so clearly feel the presence of Reiki and Spirit there. When complete, I take care to ground and center myself prior to the person’s arrival. I also maintain a healing crystal grid in my healing room, which is charged with Reiki daily.

Once the preparations are complete, the actual Professional Reiki Session begins upon the person’s arrival, and consists of three components:

• Pre-session intake/discussion – 30 minutes
• Reiki treatment – approximately 60 minutes
• Post-session processing – 30 minutes

The length of the Professional Reiki Session is 2 to 2.5 hours, and for scheduling purposes, I allow 3 hours between sessions. During this time, I hold the safe space of unconditional caring and acceptance throughout, as Reiki surrounds and envelops us.

* This is the 1st article of an insightful 4-part series on Professional Reiki Session topic by RMT Kathleen Johnson. Stay tuned!
What’s next: The Professional Reiki Session – The Pre-Session Intake and/or Discussion (Part 2/4)

© 2018 Kathleen Johnson

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Kathleen Johnson is a Usui/Holy Fire III Reiki Master, a Kundalini Reiki Master, and a Certified Crystal Healer. As a Spiritual Teacher & Mentor, she assists others in discovering their unique path to wellness, wholeness, and authenticity. Kathleen is also a Certified Past-Life Soul Regression Therapist, and infuses Reiki into her work with clients’ past lives.
She is the Founder of UniverSoul Heart, LLC, a holistic healing and wellness practice based in Pennsylvania, USA. Kathleen enjoys teaching all levels of Reiki classes, from Level I through Master/Teacher, and is honored to assist others on the Reiki path. She also offers “Crystal Basics” and “Finding Your Life Mission” workshops for those wishing to deepen and enrich their self-knowledge at the soul level.
Kathleen was a co-host and presenter at the Reiki Rays Spring 2018 Summit, and also presented at the Winter 2018 and Spring 2019 Summits. She is passionate about raising awareness of the benefits of Reiki and holistic wellness and enjoys speaking to public and private groups.
As part of her commitment to raising awareness, Kathleen has been a featured guest in many radio interviews and is the host of "UniverSoul Heart Radio with Kathleen Johnson- Sensible Spirituality for Everyday Living", broadcast on Transformation Talk Radio.
Kathleen was selected as Top Reiki Master of the Year for 2019 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for her outstanding leadership, commitment, and dedication.
Writing is a passion for Kathleen, and her many articles about Reiki and Spirituality are published on Reiki Rays and in Reiki News Magazine. She is currently gathering information for a book and knows that Reiki will be with her every step of the way.
Kathleen’s website is www.universoulheart.net, and her email is [email protected]
You can find her on Facebook at UniverSoulHeartReiki, on Instagram @kathleen_johnsonrmt and on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/universoulheart/