Reiki Series #2🌿

What Happens in a Reiki Session? A Look Through My Eyes as a Reiki Practitioner

If you have never experienced Reiki before, you may wonder what actually happens during a session. What does the practitioner do? What might you feel? And what is happening beyond what you can physically see?

As part of my Reiki series, I wanted to share a little more about what happens during a Reiki session, not just from the perspective of someone receiving Reiki, but from my own experience as a practitioner. Every session is unique, because every person arrives with their own experiences, emotions and needs. While there are elements of my practice that remain consistent, what I experience during a session can vary from one person to another.

Creating a Space to Relax and Receive

For me, a Reiki session begins with creating a calm, nurturing space where you can take time out from the busyness of everyday life. You will be invited to lie comfortably on the treatment table, remaining fully clothed and simply allow yourself to settle. There is nothing you need to do, nothing you need to achieve, and no particular experience you need to have.

I use a gentle, hands-on or hands-above-the-body approach, depending on the situation and your comfort. Reiki is offered with the intention of supporting relaxation and balance, allowing you the space to rest and reconnect with yourself. Some people experience warmth, tingling, a gentle pulsing sensation or a feeling of deep relaxation. Others may notice emotions arising, experience a sense of peace, or simply enjoy having time to themselves. You may feel something quite distinct, or you may not notice any particular physical sensations at all. There is no right or wrong way to experience Reiki.

What I Feel During a Reiki Session

One of the things I find fascinating about practising Reiki is that I don't necessarily experience every session in the same way. As I work, I may become aware of sensations in my hands, such as warmth, coolness, tingling, pressure or subtle changes in the way an area feels to me. Sometimes I notice a particular area drawing my attention and at other times the experience is much quieter. I remain present with the person I am working with, allowing the session to unfold rather than trying to make something happen.

Over time, through my own Reiki practice and development, I have become more familiar with the subtle sensations and intuitive impressions that can arise. I see this as part of my personal experience of working with Reiki, while recognising that each practitioner may experience things differently. For me, it is about being attentive, trusting the process and allowing myself to be guided by what I notice, without needing to interpret every sensation or find an explanation for everything.

What I See When My Eyes Are Closed

There is also an intuitive and spiritual aspect to my Reiki practice that is a little harder to put into words. During a session, I often close my eyes as I work. This helps me turn my attention inward, become quieter within myself and remain present with the person receiving Reiki. At times, I may experience colours, images, impressions or a sense of knowing. These experiences can be subtle and they don't necessarily happen in every session. Sometimes something may stand out; at other times, there may be no particular image or impression at all. This is the intuitive side of my healing and it is something I have continued to develop through my own spiritual journey.

I don't approach these experiences as something that must happen, nor do I assume that every impression has a particular meaning. I simply allow them to arise, remain grounded in the session and respect the person whose space I am holding. For me, Reiki is not only about the physical experience of placing my hands or working with energy. It is also about the quiet awareness that can develop when we slow down, become present and allow ourselves to listen in a different way.

When a Client Falls Asleep

There is one particular moment during a Reiki session that I find especially satisfying as a practitioner: when my client falls asleep. When someone relaxes so deeply that they drift off, it is a lovely reminder of how much they may have needed that opportunity to rest. We often move through life carrying responsibilities, worries, emotions and the constant activity of our minds. It can be difficult to find a space where we feel comfortable enough to let go, even for a little while. When I see someone settle into that deeper state of relaxation, I feel grateful that they have been able to give themselves permission to pause. Of course, falling asleep isn't a measure of how well a Reiki session has worked and not everyone will experience that level of relaxation. Some people remain aware throughout the session, noticing the sensations around them or simply enjoying a quiet moment. There is no expectation to fall asleep or to feel anything in particular. What matters to me is providing a safe, supportive space in which each person can have their own experience.

Every Reiki Session Is Different

Although I have a routine and approach to my practice, I never assume that two sessions will be the same. Each person brings something different with them, and I approach every session with an open mind and a sense of respect for their individual journey. Sometimes the experience is deeply peaceful. Sometimes a person may become aware of emotions they have been holding. Sometimes the most noticeable thing is simply how good it feels to lie down, switch off from the outside world and take some time for themselves. 

My intuitive impressions may be present during a session, or the experience may be much quieter. Neither is more important than the other. I believe it is important to allow space for whatever a person experiences, without creating expectations or suggesting that they should feel a certain way.

Reiki is a complementary practice that may support relaxation and general wellbeing. It is not a substitute for medical care, diagnosis or treatment and I always encourage people to seek appropriate healthcare when needed.

A Little Space to Come Home to Yourself

For me, being a Reiki practitioner is about more than what happens during the time someone spends on my treatment table. It is about offering a space where they can pause, reconnect with themselves and simply be, without the demands of everyday life. My own journey with Reiki has taught me to appreciate the value of slowing down, listening inwardly and making space for the things we don't always have words for. Whether you experience warmth in my hands, notice a subtle sensation, drift into a peaceful sleep or simply enjoy a quiet hour to yourself, your experience is your own. You don't need to understand everything about Reiki before you come for a session. You don't need to have a particular belief or know what to expect. You can simply arrive as you are and allow yourself the time to receive.

Sometimes, that quiet space to rest and reconnect is where our journey back to ourselves begins. If you have been curious about Reiki, I hope this gives you a little more insight into what a session with me at Soul Journey: The Healing Touch may be like.

With warmth and care,

Susan x