My Reiki Story
Everyone has a story...
We all have life changing experiences that leave us feeling a bit lost. These can come at any time in our life, for any reason.
My own story has many up’s and down’s. By sharing it, I hope it inspires you to want to get to know your own energy and let your life unfold in the way that you choose.
Here is how my experiences led me to Reiki, helping me to sense energy and develop my intuition. Leading me to believe that to get to know your own energy, is to get to know you.
Contents
Before Reiki
I first became aware of Reiki in my teens when my Mum attended a weekend to become attuned. It was explained to me as being similar to spiritual healing and you could feel sensations like tingling and heat in your hands with it. It remained at a distance for me as something mystical. It left me feeling skeptical rather than it being something I wanted to explore. Other than that my teens were normal. I did my A‘levels, got bored of schooling and jumped on the work treadmill.
Can you remember the 90’s? The internet had not been fully established. It meant there were few influences beyond your circle of friends, teen magazines or pop culture tv, with a heavy dose of Brit Pop and Indie Music.
In my early 20s, I began to consider more where my interests were. In 1998, fascinated by behaviour, I decided to pursue a degree in psychology with the Open University. Life wasn't the easiest ride after this. By 2004, I had been married, divorced, and diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I began to feel that I no longer felt I knew who I was, lost and scared of an unknown future. There was this desire to discover what it was I needed and who I truly was. I realised I wanted to explore my intuition and that sixth sense, as it had proven to be useful and more accurate than I realised in the recent years. Although I tried to keep an open mind, I was skeptical of anything that seemed mystical or was termed “New Age”. Reiki sounded like something that anyone could do. It was also not based in any religion and therefore felt accessible. I cannot remember how we came to discuss it, but after a conversation with a friend, we decided to attend a Reiki 1 workshop together.
Reiki I
The weekend arrived, and I was uncertain of what to expect. It turned out to be a relaxed experience where we shared insights and began learning about universal energy. After the first day, I felt present but in a different headspace, which I can only describe as being in a bubble, synchronised with everything around me. On day two, we practiced the hands-on healing aspect of Reiki. As an introductory course, Reiki I provides structure and guidance, while the flow of energy and how it is experienced becomes more familiar. It felt incredibly natural to me; I instinctively knew where to place my hands and what to do. My Reiki Master remarked, “It looks like you've come home—just go with what you feel."
In 2006, after a couple of years exploring the energy and self-healing, my life had evolved considerably. I had moved out of London and started a new relationship with my now-husband. However, my Crohn's disease had flared. While recovering, I explored Kinesiology as a way to support myself. Kinesiology works with the meridians, these are the energy channels used in Chinese medicine practices. During sessions, I felt energy flowing through my body in the form of tingling sensations and waves of energy. So I began to feel ready to complete the Reiki II weekend. I phoned my friend who had joined me for Reiki I and she said, I think I am ready too.
Reiki II
The Reiki II weekend deepened my sense of energy and intuition. I remember driving home after the first day, approaching a roundabout when a lorry came from the opposite direction. It entered the roundabout first, without indicating. I checked its wheel alignment and felt sure I could continue, but something told me to stop. I did so, and the lorry came right around the roundabout. If I had continued, it would have hit me.
Reiki for Animals
Not long after, I visited my mother-in-law, who owned livery stables. She often had intuitive, sometimes clairvoyant insight. While having a chat over a cup of coffee, she said, “You do realise you can work with animals, don’t you?” I responded, “Well yeah, of course”. But she insisted, “No, you can work with animals. Why don’t you go out and practice with one of my horses?” So I ventured out, knowing little about horses. It made me realise that if I wanted to work with animals, I needed to learn much more about their lifestyles, and understand how they experience their world. I researched online and found only two courses that seemed to offer what I felt I needed. One in the north and one in Sussex. I applied and enrolled in Elizabeth Whiter's animal healing course for the following year. By 2009 I had completed her courses for small animals and horses.
Throughout the years, I have had remarkable experiences with Reiki and animals. I treated a cat with a sarcoma, who sadly passed, although the vet remarked he was the healthiest unwell cat he had seen. I supported my own cat through her bereavement of losing her brother, which was one of the most moving experiences I have had. Giving Reiki to a herd of ponies was remarkable too. Each one took their turn in coming in to my space and showed me where they wanted me to work.
Reiki III
The more I worked with Reiki in different ways, the more my knowledge expanded, and I felt ready for Reiki III. This level, also known as the Master’s level, is not about becoming a guru in the practice. It marks a period of integrating Reiki into daily life. Whereas before it was something I did, it began to transform into being a part of who I am, applying Reiki across all areas of my life.
In 2023, I became a member of the professional organisation, The Reiki Connection (TRC). As a member I have found a great group of people who offer valuable peer support. I have been given the opportunity to represent TRC on the Reiki council's Reiki for Animals Working Group. This is a group that are looking at a validation and accreditation process for those who want to professionally work with animals or train others to.
In February 2026, I completed the Reiki Teacher training so I can now attune others to Reiki and start them on their journey.
Since I have completed Reiki III, I have been navigating life with Reiki in my pocket to support me. Reiki does not promise an easy ride through life. Which is why I think I came to appreciate the parable “Good Luck, Bad Luck, Who knows?”
We all know 2020 became an opportunity for most to reflect on what is important. It led me to make the decision to focus more on offering my Reiki services. I took the leap and left my job in the NHS after 16 years.
So how do I view Reiki now?
My journey with Reiki began with curiosity, viewing it as merely a form of mystical healing. However, it has transformed my understanding of the world into a study of energy dynamics. Reiki has deepened my appreciation for how energy flows in my life, enhancing my connection to the universe and clarifying my role within it. This practice has expanded my perspective from a narrow, personal view to a broader, universal one. Despite the significant ebbs and flows on this journey, I can now see how Reiki has facilitated my personal growth, making it an essential part of my daily routine.
The harmony and balance that Reiki provides enable both body and mind to function at their best, paving the way for personal growth, which in turn, can also have a positive impact on the world around us. The benefits of getting to know our inner world and the potential for it to have a wider impact, have been advocated for many years.
“If there is to be peace in the world, There must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations, There must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities, There must be peace between neighbours.
If there is to be peace between neighbours, There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home, There must be peace in the heart.”
Lao-Tzu a Chinese philosopher of the 6th BCE and author of the Tao Te Ching
Ultimately – To Know Energy, is to Know you.
The purpose of offering Reiki is to help others experience the long-term benefits of understanding and balancing their own energy. By merging my knowledge of psychology with Reiki, I recognise energy as just another influence on behaviour. Energy follows thought, meaning that our thoughts shape our choices. Everything we do impacts the balance of our energy, and an imbalance often translates to feeling out of sorts too. So, gaining awareness of this energy enhances our understanding of how we perceive and respond to the world.
Get to know your Energy with me
Deeply calming and relaxing to help balance mind, body, emotion and spirit.
Your pets are a huge part of your life. Reiki can provide them with a balanced space for them to self-heal as they need to.
Please note: Reiki is not an alternative to conventional medicine.
A practitioner leaves diagnosis to a medical professional.
You should seek advice from your GP/Vet on acute or infectious conditions and in connection with problems of an urgent nature.
For specific conditions, Owners must obtain permission from their vet before commencing Reiki for their pet.
Qualifications and Training
Reiki I - 2004
Reiki 2 - 2006
BSc Psych Hons Open – 2007
VTCT – Level 3 Diploma in Health and Safety, Security and Employment Standards – 2008
VTCT – Level 3 Diploma in Swedish Massage – 2008
Reiki Master - 2008
Diploma in Animal Healing – 2008
Diploma in Equine Healing – 2009
HCC Diploma in Arboriculture - 2025
The Reiki Connection Reiki for Animals Verifier – 2025 to date
Reiki Council Reiki For Animals Verification Group – 2025 to date
Reiki Master Teacher – 2026
CPD
Anatomy and Physiology - 2007
Canine First Aid - 2014
COVID 19 Awareness for Therapists - 2020
Dream Analysis - 2023
Emergency First Aid at Work - 2024
Facilitating Groups - 2021
Professional Practitioner - 2025
Rhythm and Movement of the Horse – 2008
Spiritual Life Coaching - 2021
Meditation Teacher - 2024
The Secret World of Trees - 2020
Three Principles of Coaching - 2021
Zoopharmacognosy - 2025
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