What to Expect in Your First Reiki Session

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First-time nerves are completely normal. In fact, they're one of the most common things people mention when they arrive at their first Reiki session. There's often a mix of excitement, curiosity, and a quiet voice wondering: What is actually about to happen?

I've sat with that question from the other side of the table, I was once a first-timer too, walking into a session with no idea what to expect and a healthy dose of skepticism. What I experienced changed the course of my life. And what I've witnessed since becoming a practitioner has only deepened my belief in the power of this work.

So let me walk you through it. Honestly, and in detail.

Before You Arrive

There's no elaborate preparation required for a Reiki session. Here's what I recommend:

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, you'll be fully clothed throughout
• Avoid a heavy meal in the hour or two beforehand
• Drink water before and after, energy work can be surprisingly dehydrating
• Give yourself a few extra minutes to arrive unhurried
• Come with an open mind, curiosity is the only prerequisite

That's it. You don't need to meditate beforehand, clear your energy, or do anything special. Just show up.

What Happens During the Session

We Begin With a Conversation

Your session opens with a brief check-in. I'll ask how you're feeling, what's been going on for you lately, and what you're hoping to receive from our time together. This isn't a therapy session, you don't need to share anything you're not comfortable with. Even a simple "I've been feeling really off and I'm not sure why" is enough to work with.

This conversation helps me understand where to focus my attention energetically, and it gives you a chance to arrive and settle before we begin.

You Settle In and Receive

For in-person sessions, you'll lie fully clothed on a comfortable massage table. I'll dim the lights, put on soft music, and invite you to close your eyes and simply breathe.

For virtual sessions, you'll be in a comfortable space in your own home, a bed, couch, or yoga mat all work beautifully. I'll guide you through a brief grounding exercise before we begin.

From this point, your only job is to receive. There is nothing for you to do, visualize, or think about. You can let your mind wander, fall asleep, or simply rest. All of it is welcome.

The Energy Work

I'll begin moving through your energy field, either with hands lightly hovering above the body or with the gentlest of touch, depending on your preference. I work intuitively, allowing the energy to guide where attention is needed.

You may feel warmth, tingling, waves of emotion, or a sense of being gently held. You may see colors or imagery behind closed eyes. You may feel absolutely nothing unusual, and still leave profoundly shifted. Every experience is valid.

I am holding space for whatever needs to move.

The Close

As the session draws to a close, I'll gently ground your energy and slowly bring you back to the room. I'll give you a few quiet moments before we speak.

I'll then share any impressions or insights that came through during the session, areas I was drawn to, sensations I noticed, imagery that arose. Sometimes this resonates immediately. Sometimes it lands more fully in the days that follow.

How You Might Feel Afterward

Most people leave a session feeling:

• Deeply relaxed, sometimes more rested than after a full night's sleep
• Lighter, as though something has been set down
• Emotionally clear or gently tender
• Spacious and present

Some people feel tired and need to rest. Some feel energized and clear. Some feel almost nothing in the moment, and then notice significant shifts over the following days. Sleep improves. Anxiety quiets. A decision that felt impossible suddenly becomes obvious.

Trust your experience, whatever it is.

What to Do After Your Session

The 24 hours after a Reiki session are important. Here's how to honor the work:

• Drink plenty of water
• Rest if you feel called to, don't push through fatigue
• Avoid alcohol the evening after a session if possible
• Journal if anything arises, dreams, insights, emotions
• Be gentle with yourself

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

This is deeply personal. Some people experience life-changing shifts in a single session. Others find that a consistent practice, monthly or bi-monthly sessions, is what allows the healing to really take root.

I always recommend starting with one session and seeing how it lands. We can talk afterward about what feels right for your journey.

A Final Note for First-Timers

If you're feeling nervous, that's okay. Nervousness often means we're about to do something that matters. The fact that you're here, that you've been curious enough to look into this, that already means something.

You don't need to have it figured out. You just need to show up. I'll take it from there.