What Does It Really Mean to Become a Professional Reiki Practitioner….and Why Might You Want To?
At some point on the Reiki path, many practitioners quietly ask themselves a question:
“Am I actually ready to call this a professional practice?”
If that thought has ever crossed your mind, whether with excitement, curiosity, or a healthy dose of self-doubt, you’re not alone.
Let’s gently unpack what becoming a verified Professional Reiki Practitioner really means, why it matters, and how it could support the next stage of your Reiki journey.
What Does “Professional” Actually Mean?
When we place the word professional before any occupation, it doesn’t mean “perfect” or “finished”.
It means:
- You’ve undertaken appropriate training
- You work within ethical and professional standards
- You offer your services with care, integrity, and competence
- Your practice is recognised and trusted by others, including the public, insurers, and organisations
In short, professionalism is about trust, credibility, and commitment not ego or hierarchy.
Becky’s Story: From Personal Healing to Professional Purpose
Sometimes, it helps to hear from someone who’s already walked the path.
Becky is our first verified Professional Reiki Practitioner of 2026, and her story beautifully illustrates why this step can be so meaningful.
What inspired you to apply for Professional Reiki Practitioner status?
Becky shared that her inspiration came from several deeply personal places:
- Her own Reiki Master is TRA verified and CNHC registered, and works within a hospice
- She gave Reiki to her father while he was dying in hospital, an experience that profoundly shaped her desire to work in palliative care
- She volunteered weekly for a year at her local Macmillan Centre, working as part of a multidisciplinary team
For Becky, verification wasn’t about status, it was about alignment.
How did the process feel before you started?
Like many practitioners, Becky initially wondered if the paperwork might be overwhelming.
“I thought it would take me longer than it did to prepare all the different elements.”
A familiar feeling, and one that often stops people before they even begin.
And how do you feel now?
“It was absolutely worthwhile and I’m excited about the next steps.”
That sense of clarity and confidence is something we hear again and again.
What reassurance would you give others who feel uncertain?
“Breaking the tasks down into manageable chunks really helped. Otherwise, it can feel overwhelming.”
Wise advice, and a reminder that this is a supported process, not a test you have to face alone.
“But I’m Happy With My Practice… Why Would I Do This?”
You might be reading this and thinking:
- I’m not interested in working in hospitals or regulated environments
- I already have clients and a practice I enjoy
- I’d like more clients… but I’m not sure I need verification
All completely valid thoughts.
However, as Reiki continues to grow in popularity, one challenge becomes clearer:
👉 From the public’s point of view, how do they know who to trust?
As more people offer Reiki, it can be harder for the public to know who to choose. Most practitioners work with genuine care and integrity, but not all. Verification helps clients, employers, and organisations distinguish between intention and professional accountability.
Confidence: The Quiet Reason Many Practitioners Apply
We also hear this a lot:
“I’ve always wanted to set up my own practice… but I don’t quite feel confident enough.”
Or:
“I trained years ago, but my Reiki Master didn’t really support me beyond the course.”
Becoming a Professional Reiki Practitioner can help bridge that gap, offering structure, reassurance, and recognition that supports you to step forward with confidence.
Why CNHC Registration Matters
The Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) is the UK’s voluntary regulator for complementary healthcare practitioners, set up with government support to protect the public.
Importantly:
- CNHC is an Accredited Register with the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care
- Registered practitioners meet national occupational standards
- Practitioners can use the CNHC quality mark, recognised by the public, insurers, and organisations
For many people seeking Reiki, especially within healthcare settings, the CNHC mark is a clear sign of trust.
Public Practice Verification: A Commitment to Yourself and Your Practice
The Reiki Association’s Public Practice Verification is a one-off process that demonstrates your commitment to high professional standards, particularly if you work (or wish to work) with the public.
As an approved verifying organisation, the Reiki Association offers:
- A thorough but supportive process
- Verification by experienced Reiki Masters
- Guidance and mentoring if you encounter difficulties
You don’t need to be a member to apply although membership does bring additional benefits.
What Does the Verification Process Involve?
Once you apply, you’ll receive a clear, structured pack that includes:
- Guidance for an observed treatment
- A written questionnaire
- Submission of:
- Insurance
- Certificates
- Reiki lineage
- Character references
It’s designed to be clear, fair, and supportive, not intimidating.
Benefits of Becoming a CNHC Verified Reiki Practitioner
Becoming verified and registered offers tangible and meaningful benefits:
- Professional recognition through the CNHC quality mark
- Credibility with clients, hospices, hospitals, and organisations
- Access to opportunities in healthcare and voluntary settings
- Regulatory compliance with national standards
- Ongoing professional development through CPD
- Greater confidence in your identity as a practitioner
A Gentle Question to Close
You don’t need to become a Professional Reiki Practitioner to be “worthy”.
But if you feel a quiet nudge towards:
- greater confidence
- clearer professional identity
- or opening doors you once thought were closed
…this may be the next natural step in your Reiki journey.
Sometimes, professionalism isn’t about changing what you do, it’s about owning it ✨
📧 Questions or ready to apply?
Contact: verification@reikiassociation.org.uk