How to Become a Certified Reiki Healer: The Step-by-Step Path to Sharing Energy Healing

If you’ve experienced the powerful shifts that Reiki can offer—whether through your own healing journey or a single session—you might be feeling the call to go deeper.

Maybe you want to understand the energy. Maybe you want to help others heal. Or maybe you just know in your bones: this is part of your purpose.

Becoming a certified Reiki healer is not only a beautiful commitment to your own growth—it’s a path that allows you to serve others through compassion, presence, and energy.

Here’s everything you need to know to begin.

What Does It Mean to Be a Certified Reiki Healer?

Reiki is passed from teacher to student through a process called attunement. This sacred energetic transmission allows you to channel Reiki energy for yourself and others.

Becoming a certified Reiki practitioner means you’ve received proper training and attunement from a qualified Reiki Master and can practice Reiki with confidence, integrity, and energetic responsibility.

There are three main levels (also called degrees) of Reiki training.

The 3 Levels of Reiki Certification

Level 1: Reiki I – Self-Healing & Hands-On Practice

This level introduces you to the Reiki principles, history, and energy. After receiving your attunement, you’ll learn how to give Reiki to yourself and others using hands-on healing.

You’ll learn:

• Hand positions

• How to feel energy

• Daily Reiki self-practice

• Grounding and protection

• Ethics and intention setting

This level is often deeply transformative, many people experience emotional releases, spiritual awakenings, and increased intuition in the weeks following.

After Level 1, you can offer Reiki to friends, family, and animals (usually not professionally yet).

Level 2: Reiki II – Distance Healing & Practitioner Certification

Level 2 deepens your practice and prepares you to offer professional Reiki sessions to clients.

You’ll learn:

• Reiki symbols and how to activate them

• How to send Reiki across time and space (distance healing)

• Working with emotional and mental healing

• Intuitive Reiki techniques

This is when you start to truly own your power as a healer. You’ll gain confidence in reading energy, working with clients, and understanding how Reiki flows through you.

After Level 2, you are considered a certified Reiki practitioner and can begin offering sessions for payment.

Level 3: Reiki Master / Reiki Master Teacher

The Reiki Master level is for those who want to embody Reiki fully and/or teach others.

You’ll learn:

• The Master symbol

• Advanced healing techniques

• How to perform attunements

• How to lead trainings and mentor others

Not everyone feels called to teach—and that’s okay. Reiki Master training is just as much about deepening your relationship to energy and self-mastery as it is about certification.

After Level 3, you can teach and attune others (if you choose), or simply embody Reiki in your healing practice or daily life.

How to Choose the Right Reiki Teacher or School

Reiki is an energetic lineage, so choosing a teacher is a sacred decision. You’re not just learning a skill—you’re receiving a transmission of energy and philosophy.

Here’s what to look for:

• A certified Reiki Master with clear lineage

• Someone who resonates with you energetically

• A program that includes both attunement and hands-on practice

• Integration support (group practice, follow-up, community, etc.)

• Clear ethical standards and professionalism

Red flags:

• No mention of attunement

• Vague or overly “salesy” language

• No opportunity to connect with the teacher before enrolling

  
  

Trust your gut. You’re not just investing in a course—you’re entering a lifelong relationship with energy.

Online vs. In-Person Reiki Training: What’s Better?

Both are valid, but your experience will differ.

In-person training gives you the benefit of hands-on instruction, physical presence, and real-time feedback. You’ll often feel a stronger connection to the group and teacher.

Online training offers flexibility, and when done well, can still be deeply effective. Look for:

• Live sessions (Zoom or similar)

• Personalized attunement, not just prerecorded material

• Opportunities for questions and mentorship

Ultimately, what matters most is the intention, integrity, and presence of the teacher.

What Can You Do Professionally with Reiki Certification?

After Level 2, you can:

• Offer Reiki sessions in-person or online

• Work in spas, wellness centers, or your own practice

• Combine Reiki with other modalities (massage, coaching, therapy, etc.)

• Offer corporate or group Reiki events

• Serve special populations: grief support, trauma recovery, pregnancy, children, animals

Reiki is incredibly versatile. You get to decide how to weave it into your unique gifts and purpose.

Final Thoughts: Walking the Path of a Healer

Becoming a Reiki healer is not just about gaining a certification—it’s about remembering who you are. You don’t have to have it all figured out. If you feel the nudge to explore this path, that’s your energy calling you forward.

And remember: healing others always starts with healing yourself.

Ready to begin your Reiki journey?

At Healers Huddle, we’re building a global space for energy healers to grow their skills, deepen their gifts, and build meaningful practices. From certification support to soulful business coaching—you’re never walking this path alone.