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Code of Ethics for Reiki Practitioners and Reiki Master Teachers

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The creation of this Code of Ethics is a conscious undertaking of students trained to be self-responsible for upholding the values and statements of highest intention which follow. This Code expresses the commitment of Reiki Masters to use their knowledge, skills and art for the benefit of others, to intentionally do no harm, to respect students and clients, and to honor ourselves and one another.

 

This Code clarifies basic principles of being a Reiki Practitioner and Reiki Master. For those on this path, it may serve as a source for education and reflection and for self-evaluation, personal healing and healing with one another. A practitioner will agree to operate in accordance with the agreed Code of Ethics and Practice for Reiki and are expected to maintain high standards of care, competence and conduct.
 

This Code forms the basis upon which the conduct of any practitioner will be assessed in the event of a complaint, although it cannot cover every eventuality. Any concern raised to the regulator is to be dealt with in a fair, clear and impartial manner. It is the responsibility of every practitioner to understand the content of this Code and to keep up to date with current legislation and local bylaws. Copies of this document are available on request and in English only, multi-lingual translation available by request. This Ethical Code supersedes current legislation and bylaws.

 

The Usui Reiki Practitioner, Usui Reiki Master, and Usui Reiki Master Teacher agrees to:

  • Maintain the trust in Reiki and the community.

  • To cultivate conscious and clear communication and the qualities of loving kindness and honesty. I speak what is true and useful and refrain from speaking what is not .I value my relationship to a process larger than myself, recognizing that healing is something I can give to myself and then to others.

  • Take responsibility and accountability for all my decisions and actions as a Reiki Practitioner / Master in society.

  • Recognize that all my actions and choices in behavior and communication have a potential effect on others; I teach by my own example.

  • Respect the property of others, maintain my professional integrity and refrain from the misuse of money. I refrain from professional misconduct including plagiarism, inappropriate omission of information, and making false or deceptive statements. I refrain from using other people’s methods and disciplines professionally before I have my own deep experience with them. I acknowledge their source. Provide a safe and comfortable area for sessions or classes and work to provide an empowering and supportive environment for clients and students.

  • Have a pure and clear intention to offer your services for the highest healing good of the client and highest potential of the student.

  • Provide a brief oral or written description of what happens during a session and what to expect before a client’s initial session. Provide a clear written description of subjects to be taught during each level of Reiki prior to class and list what the student will be able to do after taking the class.

  • Be respectful of all others’ Reiki views and paths. I endeavor to work in cooperation with other Reiki Masters or practitioners of other disciplines and I refrain from slandering, criticizing or otherwise denigrating them.

  • Maintain awareness. You will Abstain from abuse of alcohol/drugs, any and all medicinal substances legal or illegal, natural herbs or foods that alter consciousness or mood, as decisions/judgments and professional conduct may be impaired.  You will Abstain from these substances during all professional activities, and at least 24 hours before appointment.  

  • Commit to actively working on your own healing so as to embody and fully express the essence of Reiki in everything that you do.

 

 

Confidentiality

  • Any information that is discussed within the context of a Reiki session is confidential between the client and practitioner.

  • Gather relevant personal information from the client, including any relevant medical information. If appropriate the client shall be advised to consult his or her Primary Physician or Specialist and this shall be recorded.

  • Maintain full client records, including details of all treatments and advice, whether face to face or by phone, e-mail or letter.

  • Ensure the records are honest, accurate and factual.

  • Practitioner shall not disclose to a third party any information about a client, including the identity of the client, either during or after the lifetime of the client, without the consent of the client or the client’s legal representative, unless it is required by due process of the law.

  • Comply with the current Data Protection Act and current relevant legislation in regard to the storage of data. This includes registration and keeping client information secure and confidential unless otherwise required by law. Clients have rights of access to their health records in accordance with the requirements of HIPPA law.

 

Medical

  • Never give a diagnosis of a medical condition to a client in any circumstances as part of the practice of Reiki

  • Never prescribe or sell remedies and health products as part of the practice of Reiki, unless it is nature, such as sunlight, exposure to nature, and other complementary treatments (ie: sound therapy).

  • Will not contradict the instructions or prescriptions given by a doctor. It must be left to the client to make his/her own decision in the light of medical advice. Reiki practitioners shall refer the client back to their medical advisor if the client asks them for any medical advice; however encourage them to be an advocate in their treatments by asking questions and asking for naturopathic/holistic second opinions.

  • Educate clients/students on the value of Reiki and explain that sessions do not guarantee a cure, nor are they a substitute for qualified medical or professional care. Reiki is one part of an integrative healing or wellness program.

  • Never diagnose or prescribe. Never suggest that the client/student change prescribed treatment or interfere with the treatment of a licensed health care provider.

 

 

Boundaries

  • Be sensitive to any personal, tradition, or religious and or spiritual beliefs and practices in regards to words, touch, and body restrictions.

  • Never ask clients to disrobe (unless in the context of a licensed massage therapy session at the client’s option).

  • Do not touch the genital area, breasts, and inner/upper thighs; you are to practice hands-off healing in these areas.

  • Treat clients/students with respect for their dignity, individual needs and values.

  • Work with students and clients to the best of my ability without prejudice regarding their age, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, physical abilities, or socioeconomic background.

  • Value the sacred trust created with students and clients by refraining from exploitation involving power or sexual misconduct.

  • Refrain from using your position as a Reiki Practitioner/Master to begin or to intimate future sexual relationship with a student or client.

  • Allow sufficient time to end professional relationship before envisioning or initiating a romantic or sexual relationship with client/ex-client at least 1-2 years.



 

Transparency

  • Include on your website and be willing to explain to prospective clients or students your training background, what takes place in a Reiki session, the subjects covered in your classes, the amount of time spent in sessions and classes and the fee charged.

  • Display or make available relevant certificates or other qualifications.

  • Give full and clear information either verbally or in writing about their services when commencing the Reiki treatment. This will include information about the nature of the treatment, charges and confidentiality. Any revisions shall be agreed in advance of any change.

  • Act with equal consideration whether being paid or in a voluntary capacity. Reach an agreement with the client at the outset of the treatment if any additional therapy/therapies are to be used in conjunction with Reiki.

  • A Reiki Practitioner should be aware of their own professional limitations and work only within their own scope of practice, referring clients elsewhere if /when the need arises.

  • Only use film, tape recording or digital imagery of a client with that client's clear, informed, written consent to the precise use of the material.

 

Right to Refuse or Postpone Reiki Treatment

Conditions must be provided in writing by the practitioner to the client and stated on their personal/business website/social media.

  • If the client is under the influence of alcohol or mind-altering substances,

  • If the client behaves in any way which may lead the practitioner to feel physically unsafe, disrespected, or abused.

  • In the case of late attendance of the client.

  • In the case of giving Reiki to a minor and those without the mental capacity to decide for themselves, written informed consent of a parent, guardian or relevant medical practitioner is required. If no appropriate adult is physically present, then the written consent should specifically agree to this or session rescheduled until written consent obtained.

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Record Keeping

  • Keep their records safe for at least seven years from the time of the last consultation.

  • Practitioners are responsible for taking all reasonable steps to ensure that any employee or agent adheres to confidentiality, and that any information relating to a client is protected from improper use when it is received, stored, transmitted or disposed of.

  • Only pass on the client’s records to another practitioner where a client has agreed in writing or has requested this.

  • Appoint a suitable person to undertake the proper security/disposal of all records in the event of any serious incapacity or death of the Reiki practitioner; preferably Reiki Master Teacher.

    Competence and Continuing Professional Development

  • The practitioner shall practice daily self-treatment and receive Reiki from another at least monthly, as part of continuing self-development.

  • Regularly (monthly) review and evaluate with their Reiki Master Teacher, the Reiki that he or she gives to a client and take any reasonable steps to advance their professional competence.

  • Be aware of their own mental, emotional or physical health, and resolve any problems that may interfere with their ability to practice competently, and seek help as appropriate.

  • Actively participate in mentoring by your Reiki Master Teacher or a Reiki Master peer support for personal development experience at least once a month.

 

Social Media and Marketing

  • Advertising shall be factual and not seek to mislead or deceive, or make unrealistic or extravagant claims.

  • Advertising may indicate special interests but must not make claims of superiority or discredit any professional colleagues or Reiki. Advertising content and the way it is distributed shall not put prospective clients under pressure.

 

Insurance

  • The practitioner is required and shall have a current insurance policy that states provision for public liability, professional indemnity and employee liability for touch therapy, noted in the Reiki Level 2 Manual.

  • If practicing from your home, an additional waiver must be signed or renters insurance must be obtained to ensure adequate coverage for their clients.

 

Disclosure Obligations

  • The Practitioner shall immediately inform a regulator of any misconduct, lack of competence, drug, and child or fraud offences, pending legal actions or actual convictions. Decisions will be made in the light of the circumstances in each case by reporting to the Department of Children and Families or law Enforcement. See attached State of Florida Law on Duty to Warn.

  • If however a practitioner cannot secure a client’s consent, the practitioner is still under legal obligation to seek other help and this should be explained to the client. If the practitioner is directed to disclose the information by any official having a legal power to order disclosure.

  • That an individual intends to harm or abuse a child or vulnerable adult. Where there is a legal obligation to inform the authorities, the parent or guardian does not need to be informed that you are doing this. The welfare of a child is always paramount.

  • Of any terrorist activity

  • The practitioner is obliged to record in writing the reasons for any such disclosure. If the client reports thoughts, plan, and means to self harm or commit suicide; they are at a high risk. The waiver signed before treatment should state reporting procedures, and the It is better to get the client’s consent to break confidentiality and to keep the information disclosed to the minimum.

 

Working with Animals 

Seek assurance that a sick animal has been examined by a veterinary surgeon. The Veterinary Surgery Act of 1966 prohibits anyone other than a qualified veterinary surgeon from treating animals, including diagnosis. However, the healing of animals by contact healing, by the laying on of hands or distant healing is legal. In an emergency situation, a veterinary consultation is not required. Be aware of those diseases, which are notifiable under the current Animal Health Act and take appropriate action in these cases. If a therapist is aware or has any concerns that the animal may be suffering from a notifiable disease, they should refuse face-to-face treatment. A specialization in Animal Reiki is highly recommended if primarily working with animals, (www.animalreikisource.com)

  
 

Complaint and Arbitration Procedures

Misunderstandings and the breakdown of communication are the major causes of complaints. There may be some areas where there is no absolute right or wrong, in which case the Code of Ethics and Practice will offer guidance and indicates areas where particular challenges may arise. When in doubt, practitioners are encouraged to seek advice from the Liability Insurance provider with whom they are registered; if not registered with Liability Insurance, please be aware, that you are personally held 100% responsible to be sued by client or agency you are contracted by, per a State of Florida court of law. 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

I hereby agree to all the above Code of Ethics Guidelines and vow to adhere to best of my ability:

 

Student Name:_____________________________________________

Print Name:________________________________________________

Date:____________________

Contact Email/Cell :_________________________________________

 

Reiki Master Teacher:________________________________________

Print Name_________________________________________________

Date:______________

 

Witness:___________________________________________________

Print Name: ________________________________________________

Date:_________________

 

***Code of Ethic Guideline Excerpts of were taken from the International Association of Reiki Practitioners and The Reiki Association. (2017)

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