What a Reiki Reset Actually Feels Like: One Client's Story This Autumn

Wilverley Enclosure: One of my favourite spots to walk the dog and watch autumn arrive.

September is one of my favourite months. Don't get me wrong, it was lovely to enjoy our long, hot summer but I'm not really a big fan of the heat, despite being born in August.

I did try to make the most of the warm spell and took lots of refreshing dips in the sea but I spent much of it seeking out the shade for me and my dog in Wilverley Enclosure, which is full of ancient trees and trails.

Autumn has definitely arrived early here in the New Forest with the ferns turning golden brown, the heather losing its purple glow, colourful fungi popping up everywhere and the leaves starting to fall. I even collected some sweet chestnuts the other day! Blackberries have been out since early July and local vineyards are picking their grapes. Nature is at least a month early thanks to what was the hottest summer since records began.

Autumn brings those “back to school” vibes with a new-found sense of motivation and purpose. This is the perfect time for a total reset & is where Reiki can help.

Bridging line (Emily's, not Katharine's words): I've written before about why autumn is such a good time for a Reiki reset — this time, I wanted to show you what that actually looks like, through one client's story.

Why People Come to Me For Reiki

The majority of my clients come to me for emotional rather than physical reasons, with stress, anxiety, overwhelm, burn-out and insomnia topping the list. Other reasons for seeking out Reiki are hormonal imbalances, relationship problems and grief. Reiki can also be very helpful for those going through chemotherapy, as it is so gentle and non-invasive. It can be practised both hands-on or hands-off, as you lie under a cosy blanket.

What a Reiki Session Actually Feels Like: Sarah's Story

Sarah came to me feeling totally exhausted and overwhelmed. She had been caring for her elderly mother, who is beginning to show signs of dementia, whilst trying to support her two children who are going through the usual teenage trials and tribulations, and holding down a full-time job. A friend had suggested she tried Reiki and she booked a session with me when she was at an all-time low.

Before starting the session, we had a chat about how she was feeling and I assured her that she would leave feeling much calmer.

Inside the Treatment

Forest Reiki, for relaxing reiki treatments

I got her settled on my couch (fully clothed) with a cosy blanket on top. My garden Reiki room is small, but perfectly formed. Gentle music plays quietly in the background and relaxing essential oils waft from the diffuser.

I have a beautiful crystal singing bowl which I play at the end of a treatment, and I use chakra-balancing crystal aura sprays in some of the treatments.

Sarah took a while to relax into it, but after about ten minutes, I saw her body visibly let go and her breathing slowed right down. She was finally able to allow herself to forget about all her responsibilities for an hour and to be transported to another world.

Essential oils for some aromatherapy

Hands on Reiki

Aura sprays help create a relaxing atmosphere via the senses

I normally practise Reiki hands-on, although it can also be done hands-off. I start by gently placing my hands on the head and spend quite a long time here, as it helps to calm the monkey mind we all have, living in this fast-paced, modern world. I then move down to the throat (hands-off here), followed by the solar plexus, the sacrum and the root, down to the feet which I gently massage at the end. The treatment takes just under an hour and is deeply relaxing.

Deeply relaxing Reiki treatment

How Sarah Felt Afterwards

After the session, we had another chat and Sarah told me that she felt like a weight had been lifted from her chest. “I feel lighter somehow,” she said. I always say to my clients that Reiki can't change their situation, but it can help to change their reaction and approach to the situation.

Why Autumn Is the Right Time for a Reset

For me, Autumn is an ideal time to practise Reiki and to offer my clients a Reiki re-set. The summer, whilst lovely in some ways, can be a stressful time for those who have to juggle work, kids, holidays and ageing parents. I always feel like I can breathe a sigh of relief when Autumn arrives, and it's definitely my favourite time of year in the forest with all the beautiful colours.

If you recognise any of this in yourself, get in touch by email or phone to book your Reiki Reset.