So you’re thinking about learning Reiki. Maybe you’ve had a session yourself and felt something shift. Maybe you’re curious about energy work but don’t know where to start. Or maybe life has just been feeling heavy, and you’re looking for a gentler way through it.
Whatever brought you here, you’ve probably noticed something already—there are a lot of Reiki healing courses out there. Online, in-person, weekend intensives, six-month programs. Prices ranging from twenty quid to two thousand. And everyone seems to have an opinion on what’s “right.”
Start With Your Real Reason
Before you look at any course, get honest with yourself about why you’re here. This matters more than you think.
Are you learning for yourself Maybe you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or burnout. Maybe you want a daily practice that helps you feel more grounded. If this sounds like you, Level 1 training is likely all you need—and it’s genuinely enough for a lifelong practice . Many people who learn Usui Reiki Level 1 never go beyond it, and they don’t feel they’re missing anything.
Or are you thinking professionally: Maybe you want to offer Reiki to others, work in a clinical setting, or eventually teach. If so, you’ll need to plan for Level 2 and eventually Master level training. Professional recognition usually requires accredited training, and some organisations expect around 240 hours of study and case work .
Here’s a real example: I know someone who signed up for a full Level 1-3 package because they thought they “should” become a master. Six months later, they’d barely practised—it just wasn’t their path. Another friend did Level 1 only, practises self-Reiki daily, and says it’s transformed how she handles her anxiety. Both choices were right for *them*.
The Teacher Matters More Than You Think
Reiki is personal. You’re not just learning a technique—you’re learning *from someone*. Their energy, their approach, their experience all colour what you take away.
Spend some time getting a feel for potential teachers before you book. Read their websites, watch videos if they have them, notice whether their words resonate with you . Do they explain things clearly? Do they sound like someone you could ask questions to? Do you feel safe and curious when you read what they’ve written?
In-Person vs. Online—What Actually Matters
This is a big one, and people have strong feelings about it.
In-person training gives you direct energy transmission during attunements, immediate feedback, and the chance to practise hands-on with other students . Many teachers and students feel that in-person attunements are deeper and more effective. If you’re planning to practise professionally, some insurance and registration bodies may ask whether your attunements were done in person .
Online training offers flexibility, lower cost, and accessibility. You can learn from anywhere, at your own pace. The theory—history, hand positions, principles—can absolutely be taught well online. Some students who’ve done both say the main difference isn’t the energy itself but the confidence that comes from practising in a classroom setting .
One student I spoke with did their training online through a platform course and felt they learned everything they needed. They only wished they’d had more opportunities to practise with others during the training itself—but they found people to practise on easily enough afterwards.
So which is right? If you’re learning for yourself and a classroom environment isn’t accessible, online can work beautifully. If you’re planning a professional path, prioritise in-person training for the practical experience and legitimacy it provides.
What to Actually Look For in a Course
Once you’ve narrowed down teachers and format, here’s what to check:
The curriculum. A solid Level 1 course should cover the history of Reiki, the Reiki principles, hand positions for self-treatment and treating others, and practical techniques . Look for hands-on practice time—reading alone won’t teach you to feel energy .
The manual. You won’t remember everything from the course. A good manual gives you something to refer back to, and comprehensive guides exist that cover Levels 1, 2, and Master training in a structured way .
The certificate and lineage. A certificate matters if you need proof of training later. A lineage shows the line of teachers going back to Mikao Usui, the founder—think of it as your Reiki family tree.
Class size. Some people thrive in large groups with lots of energy and conversation. Others prefer smaller settings where they can ask questions and get individual attention. Both are fine—just know what works for you.
Support after the course. Does the teacher offer follow-up? Are there Reiki shares or community spaces where you can keep practising? Your Reiki journey doesn’t end when the course finishes—it’s where it really begins .
Trust Your Gut
After all the research, after checking the curriculum and reading the reviews and comparing prices, come back to this: *How does it feel?*
Reiki is energy work. Choosing a course isn’t just a logical decision—it’s also a felt one. Do you feel drawn to the teacher? Do you feel safe and curious? Does the course structure make sense to you?
