The Professional Reiki Session – The Pre-Session Intake and/or Discussion (Part 2/4)

Article by Kathleen Johnson

The pre-session begins when the recipient arrives at the healing space. The individual is greeted at the door, warmly welcomed, invited into the healing area, and asked to take a seat in a comfortable chair. New clients then complete and sign a brief intake form, which includes basic identifying information and a standard disclaimer about confidentiality and the scope of the Reiki treatment. Existing clients may be asked if any updates are needed in their information.

The pre-session conversation begins when the paperwork is complete. During this time, I review and discuss the intake form with the client, asking questions as needed to clarify information. This is an essential component of the Professional Reiki Session (PRS), as it sets the tone for the remainder of the session. In my experience, most individuals have some degree of apprehension when they arrive for the Reiki session. This is particularly true of new clients, or those unfamiliar with Reiki. Therefore, spending time with the person prior to the actual treatment is invaluable for relaxing the recipient and ensuring their comfort with the process and the practitioner.

The flow of the pre-session discussion is informal, relaxed, and conversational; this helps the person feel comfortable as it creates a rapport with the practitioner, and this style is also most comfortable for me. Without prying, I also inquire as to the individual’s goals and/or desires for the session. For example, what is their main concern at this time? What prompted them to seek a Reiki treatment? How are they feeling – physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually? What would they like to share that may be of help for the session?

In my experience, the vast majority of individuals are very open and willing to discuss their challenges and concerns. I always emphasize the confidential and sacred nature of the Reiki session and advise that they can share as much or as little as they wish, because Reiki will give them exactly what they need, regardless of what is discussed with me. This reassurance, and the Reiki presence, provide an energetically intimate atmosphere in the healing space, and encourage the exchange of information.

The next step is to fully explain the procedure for a Reiki treatment. This also goes a long way toward easing apprehension and increasing the level of comfort, especially for those unfamiliar with Reiki and/or the new client. My approach is to provide a fairly detailed description of the Reiki treatment, in which I include as much information as necessary, and to encourage questions. I also advise the person that I will be taking notes during the session, which serves two purposes. First, the act of writing down the impressions, experiences, and information received during the session helps to keep me present and grounded, as I have a tendency to into the “zone” when immersed in Reiki. Second, making notes in real-time helps me to remember key information, which otherwise tends to evaporate quickly, because of the aforementioned “zone”. This has always worked well for me, and clients appreciate this extra level of care and attention.

Finally, prior to beginning the Reiki treatment, I ask if there are any remaining questions or concerns, and the person is offered a bathroom break. Attention to practical matters ensures the comfort of all concerned!

* This is the 2nd article of an insightful 4-part series on Professional Reiki Session topic by RMT Kathleen Johnson. Stay tuned!

Previous article: The Professional Reiki Session – A New Perspective (Part 1/4)
What’s next: The Professional Reiki Session – The Reiki Treatment (Part 3/4)

© 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/