What Actually Happens in a Distance Reiki Session?

If you've ever been curious about Reiki but weren't quite sure what it involves — or what on earth "distance Reiki" actually means — this post is for you. I'm going to walk you through exactly what happens in one of my sessions, from the very first message to the follow-up call. No mystery, no mystification. Just an honest look at the process.

Before We Even Begin: Getting to Know You

The first thing I do when someone reaches out about Reiki is ask them a simple question: what do you already know about it? Have you tried it before? Have you heard about it from a friend? Are you a complete beginner?

I ask because it matters. How I explain things, and how much background I give, depends entirely on where you're starting from. A first-timer needs a different kind of preparation than someone who's had sessions before.

From there, every new client receives a Reiki information leaflet (link) and a confidential intake form to complete before we meet. The intake form covers your physical health, any symptoms you're experiencing, and — importantly — the areas of your life where you're looking for improvement. It's not a medical questionnaire; it's a map. It helps me understand what you're carrying before we begin.

Then we get on a call. Not the session — just a conversation. I want to know who you are, what's brought you here, and whether you have any concerns. This is also where we agree on a date and time for the session itself.

My one practical request before any session: set aside at least an hour where you won't be interrupted. Avoid coffee for at least an hour beforehand — herbal tea or water instead. Reiki works regardless of your environment, but the more relaxed you are, the more you'll feel it working.

My Preparation: The Space I Create for You

Before every session, I prepare my space with care. I lay out my crystals, my notebook, and my proxy — a soft angel figure I use to represent you energetically during the distance session. I also prepare the Reiki box, which holds a handwritten note with the three concerns or intentions you've shared with me beforehand.

Then I light a candle, place a small plant nearby, and set a glass of water beside me. Fire, earth, water, air — the four elements, present and in balance. Once the space is set and blessed, I'm ready.

About ten minutes before we begin, I send you a message. A simple heads-up: the session will start in ten minutes. That's your cue to make yourself a cup of herbal tea, get comfortable on your sofa or your bed, and let the world wait for an hour.

During the Session: What I'm Doing (and What You Might Feel)

Once we begin, the first thing I do is check the state of your seven main chakras through dowsing. Think of this as an energetic scan — I'm looking for where things are flowing and where they're not.

Then I take my time with each imbalanced chakra, one by one. I look at when the imbalance may have started, and what it might be affecting in your body or your life. This usually maps directly onto what you shared in your intake form — which is always a telling moment.

From there, I channel Reiki energy through your body, starting from your feet and moving up to the crown of your head. I stay longer in the places that feel blocked or heavy, working with the energy until I sense a shift.

Here's something people often find surprising: I feel things in my own body during a session that I don't feel at other times. A heaviness in my chest. A tingle in my hands. A sudden ache somewhere that fades as the energy moves. I also receive visuals — images or words that come into my mind clearly and unexpectedly. I write everything down immediately, because it all goes into your report.

On your end, people experience all kinds of things — or sometimes nothing at all, and that's equally fine. Some feel warmth, a gentle tingling, a heaviness in the limbs, or a feeling of floating. Some drift into a half-sleep. Some notice emotions surfacing quietly. Others feel nothing during the session but find that something has shifted in the day or two that follow. Reiki gives you what you need, not necessarily what you expect.

After the Session: Closing and Coming Back to Yourself

When the session ends, I send you a message with a simple but important instruction: go and wash your hands and face with cold water.

I do the same.

This isn't just a ritual — it has a purpose. Over the course of a session, an energetic connection forms between us. The cold water helps both of us close that connection cleanly. It brings you back into your body, back into the room, back into the present moment. I also drink a glass of cold water to complete the grounding on my end.

Once we've both done that, I finish writing your follow-up report. It covers everything I noticed during the session — the chakras I worked on, the sensations and visuals I received, and any reflections that feel relevant for you to sit with. This is sent to you after the session so you have something to return to as you integrate.

And the follow-up call? That's already booked. We scheduled it at the same time as your session, so there's no gap, no waiting. When you're ready, we get on a Zoom call together to talk through the report, answer any questions, and reflect on what came up. It's a chance to land everything properly.

A Word on What to Expect Afterwards

The hours and days after a Reiki session can be interesting. Some people feel deeply calm and clear. Others notice emotions or old memories surfacing — not dramatically, just gently, as if things that needed to be felt are finally getting their moment. Some clients feel tired and just need to rest. All of it is normal. All of it is part of the process.

If you're curious about whether Reiki is right for you, the best place to start is a free 30-minute consultation — no pressure, just a conversation. You can download the Reiki information leaflet for more background, or book directly here.