How to Prepare for a Reiki Session: Tips for a Better Healing Experience
Reiki is meant to be a deeply relaxing and restorative experience, but let’s be honest—relaxation isn’t always easy for everyone. Some people love the idea of sinking into stillness, while others find the thought of “just being” a little (or a lot) uncomfortable.
If you’ve ever considered Reiki but questioned whether it would work for you, you’re not alone. Some people are unsure what to expect before their first session, while others have tried Reiki before but struggled to fully relax or connect with the experience. Your natural stress response, habits, and life experiences all influence how you experience energy healing—and that’s completely okay.
Whether you’re new to Reiki or have struggled to fully relax in past sessions, know that it can feel effortless with the right approach. Some people need clear expectations, while others may feel anxious trying something new or worry about letting go. If you're neurodivergent, experience anxiety, or have a trauma history, a different approach might help.
The good news? There’s no 'right' way to experience Reiki, but a little preparation can make a big difference. This guide will help you feel comfortable and ready so you can get the most out of your session—on your own terms.
Best Ways to Prepare for a Reiki Session (Mind & Body)
Before we get into personalized tips, let’s cover a few basics that will help you step into your session feeling comfortable and at ease.
Hydration & Nutrition
✔ Eat lightly and drink water before your session. The digestive system is sensitive to energy shifts, and it’s not uncommon for your stomach to make noises during a session. Help yourself relax by reducing the chances of an upset stomach.
✔ Avoid caffeine and sugar if they make you feel overstimulated—the goal is relaxation. Though I’ve had clients show up with venti-sized coffees and fall asleep snoring within minutes, so… do what works for you.
Comfortable Clothing
✔ Wear soft, breathable fabrics that allow for relaxation. Anything too tight, itchy, or restrictive can become a distraction.
Arriving in a Calm State
Feeling rushed or flustered before your session can make it harder to relax once you’re on the table. A little planning ahead can make a big difference in how you arrive.
✔ Give yourself extra time to settle in. If you tend to get anxious before appointments, avoid scheduling back-to-back commitments. Plan for a buffer window before your session so you don’t feel rushed.
✔ Plan around potential stressors. If you live in a busy city with unpredictable traffic or know that running late heightens your stress, consider: Booking your session on an off day or during quieter hours or choosing a practitioner with flexible scheduling. Some practitioners, like myself, don’t book sessions back-to-back to allow a little more grace for life to happen.
✔ Try a pre-session relaxation practice. A short walk, deep breathing, or calming music beforehand can help you shift into a more relaxed state.
If You Tend to Overthink
If your brain loves to analyze everything, it can be hard to just receive healing. You might feel more at ease if you have information upfront or a clear sense of what’s going to happen. Here’s how to prepare for Reiki if you tend to overthink:
Tips to Help You Feel Ready:
✔ Book a consult. If you have a lot of questions, schedule a brief consultation with your Reiki practitioner beforehand so you’re not spiraling into “what ifs” during the session.
✔ Prepare a list of questions. Writing them down ahead of time can declutter your mind and help you feel more in control.
✔ Consider a Holy Fire® Reiki session. Holy Fire® Reiki is guided through experiences, allowing you to focus on a visualization or journey rather than your thoughts. This can be helpful if overthinking makes it difficult to relax. Curious about the difference between Holy Fire® and Usui Reiki? Read this comparison guide.
✔ Talk through your experience. If staying silent makes you feel uneasy, let your practitioner know—some practitioners are open to talking during a session! (This could be a question to add to your list.)
If You Get Anxious Trying New Things
Trying something new can be nerve-wracking—Reiki is meant to be a safe and relaxing experience, but you might find yourself feeling on edge, hyper-aware of every sensation, or unsure how to settle in. If this sounds familiar, here are some ways to help you feel comfortable trying Reiki for the first time:
Tips to Bring in Familiarity & Comfort:
✔ Take a virtual tour or look up videos of your practitioner. Seeing their face, hearing their voice, or viewing their space ahead of time can make it feel less unfamiliar.
✔ Bring a grounding object. A small crystal, a piece of jewelry with meaning, or a soft fabric can create a sense of safety and familiarity, helping you stay connected to yourself throughout the session.
✔ Practice relaxation techniques before the session. Deep breathing, light stretching, or even tapping exercises can help lower nervous energy before you arrive.
✔ Check with your practitioner about anxiety-friendly accommodations. Some Reiki practitioners have weighted blankets, soft eye masks, or sensory-friendly options to help clients feel more comfortable—just ask!
If You Struggle With Letting Go
Surrendering can feel vulnerable. Sure, letting go sounds simple—until you’re in the moment, and your mind won’t stop resisting. This can be especially true if you're used to being in control or have experienced trauma.
Reiki invites relaxation, but it never forces it—you should always be in control of your experience. If letting go feels difficult, or you’re struggling to relax during Reiki? Try These Tips:
Tips to Ease Into Letting Go:
✔ Start with a shorter session. If the idea of lying still for an hour feels overwhelming, try a shorter session to ease into it.
✔ Ask about a consent-based approach. A trauma-informed Reiki practitioner will ensure you feel comfortable throughout the session. If you’d rather not have touch (even hovering hands), let them know. To learn more about how trauma-informed care can support your Reiki experience, visit this post.
✔ Ease into it with movement. If you have a hard time transitioning into stillness, try some light movement beforehand—like gentle stretching, yoga, or even a short walk. Sometimes, releasing tension physically first makes it easier to mentally relax later.
✔ Orient yourself to the space before you begin. When you arrive, take a moment to look around and engage your senses. Notice the colors in the room, the textures of the furniture, the temperature of the air, and any background sounds. This simple technique grounds you in the present and helps your nervous system feel safe.
If You Are Neurodivergent (ADHD, Autism, or Sensory-Sensitive)
Neurodivergent individuals may experience Reiki differently than neurotypical clients. Whether you have ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, or another neurodivergent trait, your comfort and ability to relax might look different—and that’s okay. Reiki is meant to support your nervous system, not overwhelm it.
👉 Want additional support in preparing for your Reiki session? I’ve created a free downloadable guide that walks you through exactly what to expect and how to customize your session for your comfort.
Tips to Work With (Not Against) Neurodivergence:
✔ Communicate your needs beforehand. If you’re sensitive to touch, bright lights, or sounds, or if you need accommodations (like weighted blankets or a quieter space), let your practitioner know. A good Reiki practitioner will adjust to your comfort level.
✔ Bring a sensory comfort object. If deep relaxation is challenging, a fidget object, weighted lap pad, or familiar item can help you feel grounded.
✔ Ask about music options. If certain sounds feel overwhelming, your practitioner may be able to adjust the environment, even if thats to adjust the volume. Some people prefer binaural beats or white noise over traditional meditation music.
✔ Know that you can ask to sit upright or adjust positions. Reiki is traditionally done lying down for comfort, but it doesn’t have to be. If lying still feels uncomfortable, you can ask your practitioner if you can sit upright or shift positions during the session. Your comfort matters more than any “standard” way of receiving Reiki.
✔ Give yourself permission to stim. If rocking, tapping, or small movements help you self-regulate, many Reiki practitioners will be fine with you moving as needed. (If you're unsure, just ask!)
Final Thoughts:
There is no one-size-fits-all way to experience Energy Healing. Whether you ask a ton of questions, bring a fidget toy, or need to talk through the session, you are allowed to approach healing in a way that feels right for you.
If it helps, remember—you are paying for this session, and your comfort matters above all else. A good practitioner would much rather adjust the experience to meet your needs than find out later that you felt uneasy or unsupported. You deserve to feel safe, heard, and accommodated—so don’t hesitate to ask for what you need.
💜 Still wondering how Reiki can be tailored to you? Every session with me is designed to be supportive and client-centered. You’re always in control of how the session unfolds. To learn more about how I create a safe, comfortable, and empowering Reiki experience, read about my approach here.
Your Reiki session doesn’t end when you leave the table—how you integrate the experience matters, too. For tips on post-session support, explore this guide.
👉 Have you tried Reiki before? What helped you feel comfortable? Share your experience in the comments!