7 Things I Wish People Knew Before Their First Reiki Session
By Victoria Palmer | Deeper Awareness
Making the decision to book your first Reiki session can feel exciting... and perhaps a little uncertain.
Over the years I've heard so many questions.
"What if I don't feel anything?"
"Do I have to believe in Reiki?"
"What if I can't switch off?"
If that's you, you're not alone.
Here are seven things I wish everyone knew before experiencing Reiki for the first time.
1. You don't have to believe in Reiki
One of the biggest myths is that you need to believe in Reiki for it to work.
You don't.
Many people come simply because they're exhausted, overwhelmed, curious, or searching for something they can't quite put into words. Some arrive feeling sceptical. Others have had Reiki before. Many have simply reached a point where they know something needs to change, even if they're not quite sure what that looks like yet.
There is no expectation that you understand Reiki, know anything about energy, or have a spiritual practice. You don't need to meditate, be "good" at relaxing, or come with any particular beliefs.
Reiki meets you exactly where you are.
Whether you're carrying stress, navigating grief, experiencing burnout, feeling disconnected from yourself, or simply longing for an hour to pause, you're welcome. Come with an open mind if you can—but if all you can bring is curiosity, that's more than enough.
2. There is no right or wrong way to experience Reiki
Every person experiences Reiki differently.
Some people feel warmth. Others notice tingling. Some see colours, images or simply drift into a deeply peaceful state. Others just enjoy the opportunity to rest and relax.
You may find your mind becomes quiet or you may notice thoughts coming and going. You might even fall asleep (snoring is not uncommon and is totally welcome!). Reiki continues whether you're awake, chatting or gently snoozing.
Sometimes people feel very little during the treatment itself, only to notice over the following hours or days that they're sleeping better, feeling calmer, responding differently to situations or finding they're less reactive to the stresses of everyday life.
Some clients tell me they leave feeling lighter, clearer or more grounded. Others say they can't quite explain what's changed, only that they feel more like themselves again.
It's also perfectly normal to experience different things each time you receive Reiki. No two sessions are ever exactly the same because no two days in our lives are the same.
Try not to compare your experience with someone else's or worry that you're "doing it wrong."
There is no right experience. There is only your experience.
Trust whatever unfolds, knowing that Reiki works with your individual needs, supporting you in the way that's right for you at that moment.
3. You don't have to clear your mind
This surprises a lot of people. One of the first things clients often say to me is, "I'm not very good at meditation" or "I can't switch my mind off."
The good news is... you don't have to.
You don't need to meditate. You don't need to stop your thoughts. You don't need to achieve a state of complete calm before your session begins.
Your mind can wander. You might spend part of the session thinking about your shopping list, what you're making for dinner or everything you need to do when you get home. That's completely normal.
Sometimes people find their thoughts become quieter as the session unfolds. Others notice their mind staying busy throughout. Neither experience is better or worse.
Reiki doesn't ask you to empty your mind or force yourself to relax. In fact, trying too hard to "do Reiki properly" can create more tension than simply allowing yourself to be. There is nothing you need to perform, achieve or get right. Your only job is to arrive exactly as you are.
Find a comfortable position, breathe naturally, and allow yourself permission to pause.
Even if your thoughts continue, your body and energy can still receive the gentle support that Reiki offers.
Many people are surprised that it's often the first time in weeks—or even months—that they've given themselves permission to simply rest without feeling they should be doing something else. Sometimes, that in itself can be deeply healing.
So, if your mind wanders, let it wander. If you drift into sleep, that's okay too. So is snoring and this is NOT uncommon!
If you simply enjoy the time away from the busyness of everyday life, that is enough.
Simply allow yourself to receive.
4. You're always in control
Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive complementary therapy that works with your own natural ability to restore balance and wellbeing.
One of the things I feel is most important for every client to know is this:
You are always in control.
Nothing is ever done to you. Reiki is offered with your permission and received only in the way that feels right for you.
Throughout the session, you remain fully aware unless you naturally drift into a peaceful sleep. Many people find themselves so deeply relaxed that they doze off for a while, and that's absolutely fine. Reiki continues to flow whether you're awake or asleep.
If at any point you need to adjust your position, ask a question, take a break or simply let me know something doesn't feel comfortable, you can do so. This is your time, and your comfort and wellbeing are always my priority.
Before we begin, I'll explain exactly what to expect, answer any questions you may have, and ensure you feel at ease. There are no surprises and no pressure. Every session is carried out with kindness, respect and professional boundaries, creating a safe, supportive space where you can simply relax.
Nothing is forced.
There is no expectation that you will experience anything dramatic or life-changing in that moment. Reiki doesn't overwhelm your system or ask your body to process more than it's ready for. Instead, it gently supports you, working at a pace that is right for you.
Your body. Your energy. Your journey.
Many clients tell me that simply knowing they don't have to "perform", impress, or achieve anything allows them to relax more deeply than they have in a very long time. Sometimes, the greatest gift Reiki offers isn't a dramatic experience—it's the feeling of being held in a calm, safe space where, for an hour, you can simply let go of the need to be anything other than yourself.
5. Healing often continues after the session
Many people expect everything to happen while they're on the treatment couch. In reality, Reiki often continues to unfold over the following hours and days. Just as a pebble creates ripples when dropped into a still pond, the effects of Reiki can gently continue long after your session has ended.
You may leave feeling lighter and calmer immediately or you may simply feel relaxed and wonder if anything has really happened. Then, over the next few days, you might notice subtle changes beginning to emerge.
You may notice greater clarity
A sense of calm
Better sleep
A quieter mind
Feeling less reactive to situations that would normally cause stress
More patience with yourself and those around you
Or simply feeling more like yourself again
Some people find they become more aware of what they need—whether that's more rest, healthier boundaries, a difficult conversation they've been avoiding or making time for the things that truly nourish them.
Others experience an emotional release, vivid dreams or a deep sense of peace. Every person's journey is different and there is no right or wrong way for Reiki to unfold.
I often encourage clients to be gentle with themselves after a session. Drink plenty of water, spend some time in nature if you can, rest when your body asks you to and simply notice what shifts over the coming days.
Healing isn't always dramatic. Sometimes it's found in the smallest of changes:
Responding differently to a challenging situation
Sleeping through the night for the first time in weeks
Feeling able to take a deeper breath
Saying "no" without guilt
Smiling more
These gentle shifts may seem small, but over time they can have a profound impact on how we experience life.
This gentle integration is all part of the process.
6. It's okay if emotions arise
One of the questions I'm sometimes asked is,
"What if I get emotional?"
The simple answer is...
It's absolutely okay.
Sometimes people laugh. Sometimes they cry. Sometimes memories surface. Sometimes they simply feel an overwhelming sense of peace and sometimes nothing emotional happens at all.
Every response is completely normal.
We all carry life's experiences within us—moments of joy, sadness, stress, grief, disappointment and love. Often we're so busy keeping everything going that we don't give ourselves the time or space to acknowledge how we're really feeling.
Reiki offers a gentle opportunity to pause. For some people, that pause allows emotions that have been quietly held beneath the surface to be acknowledged and released.
There is never any pressure to talk about what you're feeling unless you want to. There is never any expectation that you should cry, laugh or have a profound emotional experience. Whatever arises—or doesn't arise—is completely okay.
My role is simply to hold a calm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can feel safe to be exactly as you are.
Sometimes the greatest healing isn't found in having all the answers. It's found in allowing yourself to feel without judgement.
Reiki creates space for whatever needs to be acknowledged with kindness and compassion. There is never any judgement only gentle support.
7. Trust your own experience
Perhaps the most important thing I can say is this...Trust your own experience.
It can be tempting to read other people's stories or wonder if your session should have felt a certain way, but healing isn't something we can compare.
Every person comes to Reiki with their own life experiences, challenges, hopes and intentions. Every session is unique. Healing looks different for everyone.
There is no gold medal for seeing colours. No prize for feeling tingles. No expectation to have a dramatic breakthrough. Some people leave feeling deeply relaxed. Others notice subtle shifts over the following days. Some experience profound moments of insight. Others simply enjoy an hour where they don't have to be anything for anyone else.
All of these experiences are equally valuable.
Often, it's the quiet changes that become the most meaningful.
Feeling calmer in situations that once overwhelmed you
Finding yourself reacting with more patience
Sleeping better
Feeling more connected to yourself
Making choices that honour your wellbeing
These are all signs that something is gently beginning to shift.
Trust that your body knows what it needs. Trust that healing happens in its own time. Trust that you don't have to force the process.
Your journey is uniquely yours, and Reiki meets you exactly where you are.
There is no finish line. No expectation. No perfect Reiki experience.
Only your own path, unfolding one gentle step at a time.
Final Thoughts
If you're considering your first Reiki session, I hope this has helped to answer some of the questions or uncertainties you may have had.
It's completely natural to feel curious, excited or even a little nervous before trying something new. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to experience Reiki. There are no expectations placed upon you, no need to prepare in any special way, and nothing you have to "get right."
Simply come as you are.
Reiki offers a gentle opportunity to pause, reconnect with yourself and create space for healing, guidance and growth—whatever that may look like for you.
If you're ready to experience Reiki for yourself, I'd be delighted to welcome you to my peaceful treatment room in Milton Keynes.
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