If you feel drawn to becoming a Reiki practitioner, you’re not alone. Reiki is a gentle yet powerful energy healing practice that supports personal transformation, emotional balance, and spiritual growth. Becoming a Reiki practitioner is a journey that combines practical skills with profound inner work, and it’s open to anyone willing to explore their full potential.

Becoming a skilled Reiki practitioner requires dedication, continuous learning, and practice. A Reiki practitioner is an individual who practices Reiki, a form of complementary therapy that originated in Japan. With Reiki, a universal life force energy flows through all living things. Becoming a skilled Reiki practitioner takes time, and you can acquire the skills to start in just a two-day class. A good Reiki practitioner possesses personal qualities, professional skills, and a deep commitment to the practice. On a spiritual level, Reiki is the channeling of Divine Energy, which comes from a Higher Power. The Japanese technique of using Reiki to heal the body, mind, and spirit draws on life force energy through touch and the laying on of hands, as well as the ability to send Reiki at a distance. A good Reiki practitioner possesses intuitive skills, personal qualities, and spiritual awareness, making their healing sessions effective and compassionate. Reiki is a healing and spiritual practice that grows with time and experience. Some steps to follow in your journey include the following:

• Set Your Intention – Writing down your intention is a powerful step. It clarifies your purpose and helps you stay focused throughout your training. Doing so sets the foundation for a meaningful practice. Before you begin, take a moment to reflect:
  • Why do you want to learn Reiki? (Self-healing, helping others, spiritual growth, professional practice?)
  • What do you hope to gain from this journey?
  • How much time and energy can you commit?
• Find the Right Teacher or Program – A trusted teacher can help you navigate challenges, deepen your practice, and guide you through personal growth. Teachers like Karen Harrison, known for her warmth, expertise, and structured training, offer mentorship that supports both beginners and advanced students on the Reiki path. Choosing the right teacher is crucial. Look for someone who combines experience, credentials, and heart-centered guidance. Ask questions like:
  • What lineage or organization do you teach with? (e.g., ICRT, Holy Fire® Reiki, Usui system)
  • Do you offer mentorship or follow-up support after class?
  • Are classes held in-person, online, or in a hybrid format?
  • Can I read testimonials or speak to former students?
• Begin with Reiki Level I and II (Beginner) – What you’ll learn:
  • Energy basics and how life-force energy flows
  • Hands-on techniques for self-healing and helping others
  • Grounding and meditation practices
  • An attunement/ignition that opens your energy channel
  • Format: Level I is usually taught in a single day.
  • Reiki Level II (Practitioner) – Level II equips you to offer professional sessions and to support others in ways that go beyond physical touch. Students often notice increased clarity, confidence, and spiritual connection at this stage. What you’ll learn:
  • Sacred Reiki symbols and mantras
  • Distance healing (sending Reiki across time and space)
  • Advanced techniques for self and others
  • Expanded attunements/energizations
• Practice, Reflect, Integrate – Allow yourself time to integrate your experiences before moving on to Reiki Master. Remember, mastery grows gradually, and every session deepens your skill. Practice is key. Reiki is experiential, and your sensitivity to energy grows with consistent use:
  • Keep a practice log to note sessions, observations, and insights.
  • Join Reiki shares or practice groups to receive feedback and guidance.
  • Meditate regularly to stay grounded and connected to the energy.
• Master Training – Many teachers recommend gaining experience and building confidence at the practitioner level before moving to Master training. If your goal is to teach or deepen spiritual work, Reiki Master/Teacher training introduces:
  • Master symbols and advanced energy techniques
  • How to attune and teach others
  • Deeper spiritual and personal transformation

Practicing Reiki responsibly is just as important as the technique itself. Maintaining clear boundaries and adhering to ethical practices ensures a safe and supportive environment for both practitioners and clients. Respecting privacy and ensuring clients fully understand the session is essential. Reiki practitioners are not medical professionals. When a client’s condition requires medical or mental health intervention, referral to licensed professionals is necessary. Ethics and self-care are integral to creating a sustainable Reiki practice that is effective, respectful, and deeply fulfilling. Trust yourself, honor your pace, and embrace the journey. Reiki is as much about your transformation as it is about helping others, and stepping into the practice is a courageous and rewarding act of self-care and service.

Reiki practitioner Karen Harrison is a Senior Licensed Reiki Master Teacher with the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT). Karen’s mission as a Reiki practitioner is to empower others to heal physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. To learn how to become a skilled Reiki practitioner, contact the Whole Life Center in Kansas City by calling (913) 526-6556.