Many people who undergo Reiki training do so with the sole intention of using it on family and friends. Others start their own healing practice. This chapter is written to provide you with the basic framework for doing the latter. There are a number of important things to take into consideration when beginning your practice, not the least of which is the legal situation and how it pertains to the "energy exchange" or payment for your services.
It is a good idea for there to be an exchange of energy when you provide healing for someone. To not do so can make the client feel as if they are receiving charity and often leaves them with the feeling that they owe you something.
Those feelings can easily turn into resentment if not attended to. An exchange of energy can also play a critical role in convincing the subconscious mind to open up and become receptive to the healing, by attributing specific value to it. This receptiveness can make a great deal of difference when it comes to effectiveness. The exchange of energy can be comprised of anything, be it a book, artwork or a good meal. Those things are fine when you are planning to work only on friends and family, however, when you choose to begin your own practice you will more likely than not be asking for some sort of financial compensation.
The law on this is very clear. Anyone who claims medical services in exchange for payment, and is not a licensed medical practitioner, can be charged with practicing medicine without a license. For this reason, I recommend performing your services as an ordained minister. You do not have to advertise yourself as Rev. Smith, and obtaining ministerial status allows you to offer your services (spiritual healing) for a suggested donation. Reiki practitioners typically ask that donation to be in the twenty-five to one hundred and fifty dollar per hour range. An excellent church to obtain ordination from is the Universal Life Church in Modesto, California. If you would like a title other than reverend, they have many to choose from including "Healing Minister".
Be certain that you maintain clear records for tax purposes. Ministers are not exempt from taxes. Another group to watch out for is the psychological community. Many states have very strict rules concerning emotional healing. Be certain to research the laws of your state before placing any advertisements, or making any statements which might get you into trouble.
Business cards are an excellent and inexpensive tool to use in promoting your practice. Many people like to use a soft color for the paper stock, such as one of the pastels recommended in the chapter on setting up your healing space, or one of the many beautiful borders available. Visit all your local holistic businesses and ask them to display your cards. Don't forget massage practitioners and chiropractors. Leave several at each location so that people can take them. Also, make sure that your friends, family and clients have an ample supply so that they can hand them out to interested people if the opportunity presents itself.
If your area has a local holistic discussion group or two, ask to speak there about Reiki. It is also a good idea to host a "Reiki night". This can be done in your own or someone else's home or, if you would prefer, a local center can be rented. Prepare and set out flyers at all the places your cards are displayed. Also, have your friends, family, and clients promote it as much as possible by word of mouth.
Structure the evening itself with an informal talk followed by a question and answer period. Tell anyone interested that they are welcome to stay around after the discussion and experience the energy first hand. Give those who stay a five to ten minute partial treatment. Make sure to hand your cards out to everyone who attends. Additionally, it is a good idea to prepare a flyer filled with basic information and a sample price guide. Many people leave these around town instead of a business card. Some leave both.
Other ideas for increasing your business include hosting a regular Reiki "open house" and establishing a local group of Reiki practitioners. Advertising a regular weekly or biweekly meeting when people without an appointment can come to experience Reiki is an excellent method to use in establishing your practice. Have a special introductory price, and don't forget to pass out your cards.
Contacting other local practitioners and bringing them together once a month or biweekly can also be of benefit. Some of the practitioners you contact may even have a surplus of clients and be looking for someone to recommend them to. Others may be trying to locate other practitioners to assist them in group work. A networking group can also be of great assistance when you have a question or need help of any kind.
Be aware, however, that with this group may come a few problems which you should keep an eye out for. The first is that there are many factions within the Reiki community, many of which claim to have the "only real Reiki". Because of this, politics and infighting can easily develop within your group. Be on the lookout for this and if it occurs, deal with it in a way which is fair for all. If someone in your group insists that their Reiki is superior to yours, you may have to send them on their way if the conflict can't be resolved. In time, hopefully, notions such as those will fade away in the light of experience and knowledge. Until then, it may be best simply to disassociate yourself from their energy. As a local group, you may wish to have certificates for members and establish a common code of ethics. Tools such as these can go a long way in the public's eye when establishing a practice.
Advertising in a local or regional holistic newspaper is also an economical way to build up your practice. There are many different methods of advertising available to suit your financial situation. Display advertising is the most costly, classifieds are usually the least expensive. It is a good idea to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of both. Some papers have calendar sections in their local holistic papers which are very inexpensive or even free. This can be another benefit to having a Reiki "open house" or an introductory evening. Some papers will even have special sections listing local groups and service providers for a very small fee. In such sections, Reiki practitioners usually choose to advertise under headings such as "holistic healing". Choose the label you feel best describes your service from their list of available headings. Though it's a bit costly to advertise, more often than not it pays off in the end.
Striking up a working arrangement with a local center or massage group can also bring you a lot of business. Many areas have groups of holistic practitioners which have banded together to help defray the cost of business overhead. These practitioners can be of great help in locating clients as much of the holistic community in the area is often serviced by them. Such practitioners typically include body workers, herbalists, acupuncturists, etc. Take the time to make a personal connection with them. They will most likely be very open to your service and you may find one or two which will frequently send you clients. Many are more than familiar with Reiki and use it whenever possible in conjunction with their practice. Channelers are also very good sources of business.
The final method that we will discuss is one of common sense. When you see someone in pain, or have a friend complaining about an ache, give a brief explanation of what you do and offer to help them on the spot (for free). After you have relieved their suffering, you can then give them your card and tell them to feel free to call if they would like to make an appointment. You will find that proven benefit is the easiest way to sell your services.
In summary, there are as many ways to build your practice as there are stars in the sky. Take these suggestions, but by all means expand upon them. If you have success with any additional methods, please drop me a letter so that practitioners in other areas can benefit from your discovery. Finally, and most importantly, remember to check with a lawyer before beginning your practice. He or she will be able to provide any additional advice you may need when it comes to the laws as they pertain to your area.
