Offering client freedom and choice in reiki sessions: beginning with the initial consultation

When someone asks me about what I do, I no longer feel pressure. I answer, “I’m a Professional Counselor and a Reiki practitioner” and then I listen. I listen for curiosity or a follow up question. I listen for an indication that there is a present interest in Reiki or a wonder about how it might help. In the past, I wanted everyone to know about and appreciate Reiki. I thought it was my job to not only talk about what Reiki is, but about what it means to me and what it’s done for my life. It dawned on me one day that I am expecting people to convert to my way of thinking instead of allowing them to come to their own conclusions. Any time I believe I am right about something, I know my ego is involved, even if my intentions are to be helpful. I started to look at my entire client process with the commitment to allow others who are interested in my work the freedom to choose what and how they might experience Reiki.

What does offering freedom mean and what does that look like?

When people are given a real choice, their nervous systems can settle. If you have ever been a parent, you know this to be true. And it’s also true that we are every age we have ever been, and the younger versions of ourselves also want daily choices in our interactions with others, specifically when it comes to something as vulnerable as our own self healing journey.

For me, offering freedom and choice means creating space for the potential client/client to:

• understand what Reiki is to satisfy their level of curiosity 

• learn how I work and what tools I may utilize

• discuss their needs and concerns openly

• ask questions without feeling pressure

• choose how they want to engage in the session

• feel free to pause, decline, or adjust at any time

As a person who loves my own freedom, this method is not about limiting the practitioner—it is about creating clarity and consent from the beginning so we can walk together through a process. When one person carries the weight of the healing process, the imbalance is evident in the felt nature of the environment. My goal is to be a healing guide and to empower those I work with to feel safe, listen to themselves, and speak their needs so that they can heal with their own power and intention. It takes some organizing up front, but the safety we can provide to others with an initial consultation can be immeasurable.

Offering Client Freedom and Choices in the Initial Client Consultation:

I get a lot of interest from people who have heard of Reiki but have not had their own experience. As a result, I really like to take time to chat with someone over the phone so I can ensure we are on the same page about what a session is and is not. In my consultation calls, which typically run 15-25 minutes, I will explain that Reiki is a Japanese relaxation technique that promotes healing. I say that it can be done hands on or hands off, in person or from a distance, and I listen to the client's response and note accordingly. Next I ask the client what they wonder about Reiki and if they have any questions about it. I often hear concerns about religious preferences, how I offer comfort in my sessions, and whether they will be explicitly told information regarding how to heal. Some people wonder if receiving Reiki can hurt or if negative things ever happen during sessions. I take notes while clients speak so I can address each concern calmly, ensuring that I have properly addressed the client’s thoughts regarding each topic. Letting people know that Reiki is never harmful and discussing a bit about my ongoing training and practice also seems to immediately assist clients with feeling safe and relaxed. I let clients know that they have choices throughout the session process, from choosing where to sit or lie down, to enjoying music or silence. It feels important to let clients know that they can ask questions or ask to pause at any point during the session and that it will not disrupt me if they do so. 

My next question is to ask the client about any intentions they have for the session. Many clients I work with have not set intentions before and a brief introduction about creating intentions and why they are helpful is warranted on these occasions. I often say that we are all powerful creators and are constructing many of our moments when we hold certain thoughts before having an experience. For example, I will say, “When was the last time you felt positive about something and it went really well?” Next I give examples of holding positive thoughts before a Reiki session so they can create their intention. I may offer phrases such as, “I intend to receive balance for my mind, body and spirit.” If clients are truly open, we may set a more broad intention, “I am open to the most relaxing and healing experience I can have today.” I am careful to note with clients that setting very specific intentions may not generate results because Reiki works with whatever is in alignment with the client’s best interest and pace. I may say, “If you would like to set an intention to completely heal your surgical scar in one day, for instance, you may be disappointed.” So instead we set an intention to heal the scar as possible with the tools and resources available in the proper timing.

Once I have explained Reiki to the client’s satisfaction and the client has asked their questions and set their intention for the first session, I walk them through having a session experience with me. As a licensed Counselor, some people prefer to talk with me and receive Reiki in the same session. If that is the case, we extend the session by 30 minutes and discuss that session flow. If clients prefer to have a Reiki-only experience, we talk about what to expect with that session flow. I let clients know that receiving Reiki is not the same as receiving psychic or intuitive direction or impressions, and that I will not give them during a Reiki session. Firstly, I don’t give clients direct advice, as I prefer to honor the client’s ability to make whatever choices feel in alignment with their intuition and will. I find that giving any kind of feedback can disrupt the process of nervous system calm, relaxation and rejuvenation, so I mention that the session is built for them to have the experience they are meant to have, without my energetic interference. I always mention that Reiki can be done hands on or off, and that clients will be fully clothed and ask for consent regarding touch in in-person sessions. I let clients know that there is not a reason to touch them, but that some people prefer I hold their feet, for example. 

We walk through the set up in my healing room, or the virtual set up that I find to be most effective. I also like to offer lighting options and soft blankets, crystals, sound tools, eye masks and essential oils, but only when clients want these additions. We discuss this up front and I always defer to the client’s wishes. If the client is meeting with me virtually, we talk about how it is not often as helpful for them to Zoom in during work hours, or even from their office, if they have another choice. For the best results, resting in a comfortable space at home is preferred, I say. I send them a list of ways to make their space feel more comfortable before they meet with me. 

Following that discussion, I mention my personal session flow. I am as specific as possible, while leaving room for adjustments during the actual session. I discuss any extras we agreed upon or speak from the perspective of the simple yet powerful beauty of a standalone Reiki session. I ensure that the client knows what to expect from the drive to the parking lot to my office space, so that once they walk into my office, they will already feel comfortable and able to let go of tension. With virtual sessions, I will encourage the client to start getting ready for the session at least 20 minutes prior to our meeting. Preparing clients in this way assists with the self healing process immensely, as clients will most likely be in a calm, open and receptive state. Then I ask the client how they feel about what I am offering and I listen. I am listening for understanding with what I am offering, and for the articulation of consent from the client. If the client is unsure or hesitant, we take more time to talk. I do this now because I have learned that if clients feel too vulnerable, or if they feel as if I am offering something they didn’t expect, (crystals, counseling, sound tools, etc.) that this can shift their response to the Reiki energy. If I am upfront, open and honest about what I do in the session, the client will have the ability to relax and settle. When nervous systems settle, self healing is much more possible. 

In summary, my Initial Consultation Process is as follows:

1. I ask the client what brings them to Reiki and what they know about it, including any previous experience

2. I talk about what Reiki is and pause to listen, explaining at the level the client will be satisfied with

3. I ask the client about any questions or concerns they have about receiving Reiki, taking notes as they speak so I can address each issue calmly and directly

4. I talk about my Reiki training and ongoing practice to promote trust

5. I let clients know that they can ask questions or pause the session at any time

6. We set intentions for the session, which may require some education and support

7. Full disclosure of how I work and any session add ons, deferring to client wishes

8. I walk clients through coming to my office or how to set up a virtual space to receive

9. I listen for client consent and understanding so they can have the best possible experience

I share these insights with you so you can openly reflect upon your own sessions, if you feel called to do so. I can say that my work as a Reiki Practitioner has changed considerably since honoring client freedom and choice in my sessions. I feel more joyful when giving Reiki than ever before, and I attribute this to the trust that was built through the process of collaborating early and often with my clients. I hope that this feels helpful and send you many blessings. 

BIO

Ren Oberhill, MA, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Reiki Practitioner living in Kalamazoo, MI. Ren blends 19 years of professional counseling and therapeutic techniques with intuition, nervous system awareness, and Reiki-based energy healing. Ren’s current work is primarily focused on helping people who have already done personal work to shift a stuck issue or pattern in individual sessions or short-term healing containers that includes a beginning, middle and end. Ren also loves to teach intuition, mentor other therapists, and give live virtual animal reiki sessions. Ren is certified to practice Usui/Holy Fire III and Animal Reiki through the International Center for Reiki Training, (ICRT). You can schedule a free consultation with Ren at 6rayhealing.com, or find her as @6rayhealing on social media.