by Amy Alward | Sep 10, 2025 | Coming Attractions, Featured Posts, Reiki, Reiki, Reiki Classes
Starting your Reiki journey can feel both exciting and a little mysterious. At Whole Self Unity, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to access healing tools, no matter their background or resources. That’s why we’re offering limited Reiki I seats at just $111—half the standard tuition of $222.
This special opportunity is first come, first served, designed to make Reiki training accessible to more people. In future cycles, an application process will be required, so if you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.
Are you ready to get started with Reiki?
What You’ll Learn in Reiki I
Reiki I is all about self-healing. In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn:
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An overview of traditional Reiki hand positions (plus how to practice effectively without them!)
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How to listen to your intuition so Reiki can gently guide your practice
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Simple ways to bring peace, rest, and reflection into your daily life
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Reiki principles that support balance, calm, and healing
This class isn’t about memorizing—it’s about beginning your personal relationship with Reiki in a way that feels natural to you.
How the Class Works
Our classes are taught live on Zoom so you can feel the energy of the group, ask questions, and share in real time. Recordings aren’t offered, because part of the Reiki experience is practicing together as if we were gathered in person.
Each class runs about three or four hours and includes:
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Access to a Google Classroom for supplemental materials and resources
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A manual aligned with the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT) Holy Fire® III World Peace curriculum
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Group practice, guided sharing, and individual support
Your Pathway Beyond Reiki I
Reiki I is just the first step. As your journey continues, you can choose to go further:
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Reiki I – focused on self-healing. Tuition: $111 limited / $222 standard.
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Reiki II – offered over 5 weeks, this course deepens your practice and teaches how to share Reiki with others safely and sustainably. Tuition: $222 limited / $333 standard.
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Reiki III (Advanced Reiki Training) – meets twice a month for 3 months, introducing advanced techniques such as aura clearing and Reiki crystal grids to strengthen your own healing and the healing you share. Tuition: $333 limited / $444 standard.
Note: Master Teacher training is only offered through Amy’s professional practice, Emerge Guided Healing.
This full curriculum repeats twice a year—once in late summer/early fall and again beginning in February.
Why Start Now
Seats at the reduced tuition are limited and available right now without an application process. We are doing this to promote online access to classes for folks who might otherwise have difficulty attending classes. When the February 2025 series begins, we expect to have an application and award process in place, which means open seats may go quickly.
If you’ve felt a quiet pull toward Reiki, or if you’ve been waiting for the right time to begin, this is your chance.
Your Reiki journey begins here: Reiki I, Reiki II, Reiki III.
Ready to Begin?
Reiki I begins on September 20
. Join us to take your first step into self-healing and discover how Reiki can bring peace and balance into your life.
Reserve Your Seat in Reiki I Today
If this class is already full, you can still register for Reiki I at the standard tuition of $222 through Amy’s professional practice, Emerge Guided Healing.
by Amy Alward | Sep 3, 2025 | Coming Attractions, Healing Practices, Reiki, Reiki, Reiki Classes
Have you felt a quiet pull toward Reiki, even if you aren’t quite sure what it is yet? Maybe you’ve wondered if learning Reiki is complicated, or whether you need special gifts to do it. The truth is beautifully simple: if you’re thinking about Reiki, chances are you’re already ready to begin.
Reiki is a gentle practice of self-healing and connection. It’s easy to learn, supportive to practice, and deeply nourishing for mind, body, and spirit. All you need is curiosity, openness, and a willingness to explore healing for yourself, others, and the world around you.
Why Consider Learning Reiki?
Discover Reiki for self-healing and balance (lotus pose is entirely optional).
Many people come to Reiki during a time of change or searching. You might feel:
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Stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed.
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Curious about natural or holistic ways to support your health.
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Drawn to helping others feel better.
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Ready for a deeper connection with yourself and the Universe.
Reiki offers a simple, practical way to support all of these needs. No prior experience is required, and you don’t have to already feel “spiritual.” Reiki meets you exactly where you are.
Above all, a Reiki practice is a set of tools intended to bring you peace, stress relief, and a sense of well-being. It is not a belief system, and can be used to complement any set of beliefs. Reiki practice is more about committing to how you want to show up in the world, according to your personal beliefs and values. Whether your beliefs are rooted in science, specific spiritual beliefs, or anywhere in between, you are welcome here to learn and explore.
You are safe here. Here you are home.
Signs You’re Ready to Learn Reiki
So how do you know if the time is right? Here are a few gentle signs:
1. You Feel Curious
Reiki brings calm, balance, and self-healing energy
If Reiki keeps showing up in your life—whether through a friend, a book, or simply popping into your mind—that’s often your inner wisdom nudging you toward it.
2. You Want to Heal Yourself
Reiki I, the beginner level, is all about self-healing. If you’re ready to carve out a little time for your own peace, rest, and reflection, you’re ready.
3. You Feel Called to Help Others
Many people come to Reiki because they want to comfort loved ones, offer support, or share healing energy. Reiki gives you a safe, structured way to do this.
4. You’re Seeking Balance
If you long for more calm, clarity, or harmony in your daily life, Reiki can become a gentle practice to return to again and again.
Learn Reiki online with supportive community connection
What Learning Reiki Looks Like
Learning Reiki is simple and supportive. In Reiki I, you’ll:
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Discover how Reiki works and its history.
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Receive placements (attunements) that empower you to strengthen the flow of healing energy into the world.
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Practice giving Reiki to yourself and others.
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Build confidence in a safe, compassionate learning space.
At Whole Self Unity, our classes are paced with care. We believe in slow learning—time to ask questions, to practice gently, and to absorb the experience fully. Our emphasis is on helping you create your own relationship and practices with the Reiki energy.
Although we offer Reiki certification, our mission is to give you tools to put to good use in your own healing journey–whatever that looks like to you.
You Don’t Need to Be Perfect—Just Willing
A common worry is, “What if I’m not good enough?” But Reiki doesn’t require perfection. You don’t need to meditate for hours, have psychic abilities, or live a certain kind of lifestyle.
All you need is:
That’s it. Reiki will meet you exactly where you are. Even when you fall down, like we all do, Reiki is there to empower you to stand up and try again.
Ready to Begin?
If you’ve read this far, chances are you’re ready to learn Reiki. The first step is simply saying “yes” to yourself, and your own intuitive “knowing”.
Ready to Learn Reiki – gentle energy flowing from cupped hands
Join us for Reiki I: Reiki for Self-Healing Online Course.
This beginner-friendly class includes three sessions (3 hours each), guided practice, and plenty of support. You’ll leave with the tools to begin your own Reiki journey with confidence.
Take your first gentle step into Reiki—you’ll find yourself in a safe, supportive community ready to walk beside you. Come to an online Reiki Share – we meet every 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 5:30 – 7pm pacific time or register for an online Energetic Workshop (see our Events calendar for upcoming offerings). We can’t wait to meet you in HeartSpace.
by Amy Alward | Aug 27, 2025 | Cancer Navigators, Cancer Wellness, Featured Posts, Wellness Programs
At Whole Self Unity, we believe that no one should walk a cancer journey alone. That’s why we’re building a Cancer Wellness Program launching in 2026—a program that will provide holistic, trauma-informed support to women with cancer and their loved ones, free or low-cost, from anywhere in the U.S.
A donor’s gift makes these cancer healing sessions possible.
But you don’t have to wait until 2026 to experience this care. Thanks to a generous donor and the dedication of our practitioners, we have a handful of Premium 45-minute distance healing sessions available today.
Why This Matters Now
A cancer diagnosis touches every part of life—your body, emotions, relationships, and sense of safety. While medical care addresses the physical, holistic support helps ease stress, restore balance, and nurture the spirit.
A 2025 Meta-analysis from Systemic Reviews shows there is evidence across multiple studies that energy modalities, like Reiki, can have a positive impact on recipient’s quality of life. The researchers recommend the use of Reiki healing for cancer patients (see full citation below or read the article here).
This modality works with your body’s own natural responses, to soothe you into a state that facilitates healing, helps you reset from stress, and can help with the physical problems that come with the anxiety and overwhelm such as pain or sleeplessness.
Research from the NCCIH shows that energy healing practices like Reiki may help with:
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Reducing stress and anxiety
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Supporting better sleep
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Improving overall well-being
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Enhancing peace and emotional resilience
Our practitioners are trained in trauma-informed approaches and committed to providing a safe, compassionate space—wherever you are in your journey.
Experience peace and comfort through distance healing sessions.
A Donor Gift, Plus Extra Care
Here’s what makes these early sessions special:
?Donor-Funded Sessions — A generous donor has already paid for several Premium distance sessions so recipients pay nothing.
? Bonus Volunteer Sessions — Our practitioners are also donating additional sessions when recipients provide a short review or testimonial.
? Your Voice Helps Others — These testimonials will help us share real stories during our November–December fundraising campaign and prepare for the 2026 program launch.
One package has already been awarded, and a few remain. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Who Can Apply
These early-access sessions are open to:
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Women diagnosed with cancer (any stage, past or present)
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Immediate family members and Support Team members (spouse, partner, children, caregivers, friends, companions)
If you or someone you love could benefit from compassionate, holistic support—this is your chance to try it now.
Apply for a Healing Session Today
How This Builds the Future
Together, we are building the Cancer Wellness Program.
Every session today helps us:
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Refine our systems for the Cancer Wellness Program launch in 2026
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Gather meaningful feedback from real participants
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Share authentic stories that inspire donors and supporters to fuel this work
When you take part in these early sessions, you’re not only receiving care—you’re helping create a program that will serve countless women and families in the future.
If you want to support our work, or join our team, we have so many opportunities coming soon. In the meantime, if you love what we are doing, but aren’t an applicant, you can join the effort to serve in one (or all) of the following ways:
- Forward this blog to someone who would like to apply! Help us spread the word
- Consider making a donation to grow the available awards.
- Connect with us to volunteer or help in the future! (and to join our mailing list)
Stay Connected
Donor-funded cancer healing sessions available now through Whole Self Unity.
Want to hear more about the Cancer Wellness Program launch, our November 8th Birthday Open House, and other upcoming community events?
Join our mailing list here
Together, we can ensure no one walks a cancer journey alone.
References for those wanting to check the citation before reading the published article:
Liu K, Qin Z, Qin Y, Li Y, Liu Q, Gao F, Zhang P, Wang W. Effects of Reiki therapy on quality of life: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Syst Rev. 2025 Mar 27;14(1):72. doi: 10.1186/s13643-025-02811-5. PMID: 40148929; PMCID: PMC11951753.
by Amy Alward | Aug 20, 2025 | Reiki, Reiki Classes
What if the way we learned Reiki could feel just as healing as Reiki itself?
That’s the question I found myself asking after years of offering energy healing, supporting women on their cancer journeys, and guiding trauma survivors back to their bodies. Because while Reiki itself is gentle and loving, many classes move fast—and for a lot of folks, that fast pace creates a barrier instead of an invitation.
Every healer starts somewhere — begin your Reiki practice with care, space, and wonder.
That’s why at Whole Self Unity, we teach a slow-paced Reiki class. It’s online, beginner-friendly, and intentionally designed to feel like a soft landing—especially if you’re overwhelmed, sensitive, or healing from something big.
When Reiki Feels Rushed, It’s Hard to Let It Land
Most Reiki trainings happen over a weekend—Reiki I on Saturday, Reiki II on Sunday. For some people, that format works great! But for others, especially those living with chronic illness, navigating trauma, or just trying to make it through a tough season, that kind of learning can feel rushed, intense, and emotionally unsafe.
You walk away with a certificate… but maybe not a real practice. Maybe not a sense of connection. Maybe not enough space to process what’s unfolding.
Why We Chose a Slow-Paced Reiki Class
We offer Reiki Level One over three Saturdays because integration matters.
Each class builds on the last. Between sessions, you have time to reflect, practice, and explore your own energy. There’s no pressure to perform—just permission to be with yourself.
You’ll also get access to a private Google Classroom full of guided meditations, printable resources, and video demos so you can revisit the material anytime.
And because it’s taught online (live via Google Meet), you can show up from the comfort of your home—curled up with tea, journaling quietly, in your body and at your pace. We do not offer replays, because the energy of the group is part of what we explore together during class sessions.
Grow in good company — our Reiki classes create a circle of support.
What Slower Learning Unlocks
Taking your time to learn Reiki isn’t just about comfort. It’s about powerful transformation. Our slow-paced Reiki class helps students:
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Build confidence gently and gradually
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Develop a daily self-healing practice that feels natural
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Strengthen personal intuition without pressure or expectation
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Trust their body’s signals and energetic boundaries
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Integrate spiritual growth without bypassing or rushing
For sensitive, neurodivergent, skeptical, or spiritually cautious folks—this format is often the first time energy work feels accessible.
When Privacy and Safety Are Part of the Healing
For some, this slower, trauma-informed approach isn’t just preferable—it’s necessary.
One of the most potent and beautiful things about Reiki is that you don’t have to talk about your pain for it to work. You don’t have to explain what happened. You don’t even have to name what you’re healing. Your Reiki teacher or practitioner doesn’t need to know your history. Reiki meets you where you are and just loves you—no questions asked.
This makes Reiki uniquely safe for people with trauma, spiritual wounds, or complex health experiences.
And when you learn Reiki for yourself, you take that safety even deeper. You can work with your own energy without needing to involve anyone else. For many students, this becomes the doorway to finally letting others in—with care, in time. That’s part of my story, too, and why I took such care to design this approach to learning Reiki.
A Quick Look: Traditional vs. Whole Self Unity Reiki I
| Format |
Traditional Reiki I |
Whole Self Unity Reiki I |
| Timeframe |
1-day workshop |
3 Saturdays (4 hrs/day) |
| Location |
In-person |
Online via Google Meet |
| Cost |
$545 for Reiki I/II |
$111 for Reiki I / $222 |
| Support |
Just during class |
Google Classroom, recordings, Q&A |
| Integration |
Self-guided post-class |
Built-in between sessions |
| Ideal For |
Fast learners, extroverts |
Sensitive, cautious, reflective folks |
Please note that we are able to offer deep discounts on our class offerings for several reasons:
- Whole Self Unity is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a charitable mission to increase access to exactly these kinds of trainings.
- Amy Alward, our Holy Fire III(R) Karuna Reiki Master Teacher opens a small number of slots in her regular online offerings for Whole Self Unity to sponsor. Amy receives no payment for these classes, and donates 100% of all tuition to the organization.
- These limited spaces are offered first-come, first-served in 2025, but will later be distributed to applicants on the basis of need.
- Additional and sliding scale funding may be provided to those in need, feel free to apply for those funds here.
- Donations are collected in Reiki Shares and Reiki Workshops to help fund Reiki Scholarships to further reduce the out-of-pocket costs our students have to pay.
Depth. Wisdom. Transformation. Learn Reiki like it’s meant to be learned.
About Registration & Scholarships
Our slow-paced Reiki I, II, and III class series is offered twice per year on Saturdays from 8:00 am to Noon pacific time, through Whole Self Unity in partnership with Emerge Guided Healing.
- $111 for Reiki I (regularly $222) – 3 weekly meetings – offered in Jan/Feb and in Aug
- $222 for Reiki II (regularly $333) – 5 weekly meetings – offered in Mar/Apr and Sep/Oct
- $333 for Reiki III (regularly $444) – 6 meetings, 2x/month for 3 months – offered Apr – Jun and Oct – Dec
If the class is full, you’re welcome to apply for a Reiki Scholarship to be added to a waitlist, register through Emerge Guided Healing at full price—or register for the next class.
Proceeds from Whole Self Unity registrations go directly to support our nonprofit’s healing work and scholarships. Your healing journey helps support others, too.
If You’ve Been Waiting for a Different Way to Begin…
Maybe this is it.
A way to learn Reiki that honors your energy, your pace, your process.
A gentle unfolding instead of a firehose.
A class where healing isn’t something to rush through—it’s a space where you can be held and nurtured.
If your body is whispering yes, we’d love to welcome you.
Wondering where to go to get started? There are a lot of options–choose your own adventure:
Learn Reiki the S–L–O–W way with Whole Self Unity’s gentle, deep Reiki I class.
You’re Not Behind. You’re Right on Time.
At Whole Self Unity, we believe healing starts with kindness—to your body, your past, your pace. If the world has asked you to go fast for too long, maybe this is where you finally get to go slow.
We’re here to walk beside you.
Let’s begin.
by Amy Alward | Aug 6, 2025 | Coming Attractions, Reiki, Reiki Classes
What to Expect in Reiki Level One
If you’re feeling drawn to Reiki but also feeling nervous, unsure, or even a little skeptical—you’re not alone. That’s exactly where many students begin. Reiki Level One is a beginner-friendly class designed to gently open the door to energy healing and personal growth, at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
Whether you’re someone on a healing journey, someone seeking calm after burnout, or just someone curious about energy work, this class is for you. At Whole Self Unity, we’ve created a Reiki training experience that helps you move from learning to living Reiki—with plenty of support along the way.
First Things First: What Is Reiki?
Reiki I is your first step — a gentle and powerful tool for healing yourself.
Reiki (pronounced RAY-key) is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It’s gentle, non-invasive, and often described as deeply calming. Reiki is not a religion, and you don’t have to believe in anything specific to benefit from it. Many people experience Reiki as warmth or flow in the body, a sense of peace, or emotional release.
Reiki Level One is the beginning. It’s where you learn to offer this healing energy to yourself—and start discovering how it can support your whole self. In Reiki I you meet and help your first client: you.
Who Is This Class For?
This class is especially designed for:
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Women navigating cancer or chronic illness
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Caregivers who need time to restore themselves
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Therapists, social workers, and other helpers ready for deeper self-care
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Trauma survivors seeking gentle, embodied healing
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Curious beginners who want to connect with energy healing
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Anyone who has said, “I don’t think I’m intuitive enough for that…” (Spoiler: you are.)
You don’t need to have experience. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need a willingness to show up for yourself.
What You’ll Learn
Reiki is for everyone. Join our shares or apply for a scholarship.
Over three Saturday mornings, we’ll gather online via Google Meet. The class is kept intentionally small (just 5 students through Whole Self Unity) so there’s plenty of room for questions, sharing, and real support. You’ll learn:
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What Reiki is and how it works
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The history and principles of Reiki
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Guided meditations to ground and connect
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Energy hygiene and safety practices
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Traditional techniques from Usui and Holy Fire® Reiki
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How to begin your daily self-healing practice
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A Reiki I Placement (like an energetic jump-start) to activate your Reiki connection
You’ll leave each session with tools you can use immediately—plus videos, tutorials, and digital resources in our private Google Classroom.
What It Feels Like to Learn Reiki
Students often say the class feels like a mix of gentle spiritual growth, practical energy tools, and supportive community. Some experience emotional shifts, deeper sleep, or a stronger sense of calm. Others find they finally understand how to tune in to their own energy and body’s needs.
And if you feel uncertain or overwhelmed at first? That’s okay. We build in time to go slow, ask questions, and revisit concepts. Healing is not about perfection. It’s about presence.
Reiki Is a Complement, Not a Replacement
Reiki does not replace medical care, therapy, or other forms of treatment. It works alongside those modalities, often enhancing the benefits of traditional approaches by reducing stress and increasing relaxation. It’s one more way to support your body, heart, mind, and spirit as you move through life—and especially through difficulty.
With Reiki, the practitioner channels universal energy to support your natural healing process.
What Happens After Class?
This is the beginning of a journey—not just a one-time training. After class, you’ll have:
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A daily Reiki practice you can return to again and again
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Optional group shares and events to keep learning
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A strong foundation for Reiki II and beyond
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A network of encouragement and support
Whether you choose to pursue further training or simply continue practicing Reiki for your own well-being, Reiki Level One is a beautiful first step.
Your Next Steps
If you’re feeling curious—or even just Reiki-curious—here’s what you can do next:
Join a Free Reiki Share
Experience a group healing session and meet others who are exploring Reiki. No experience necessary.
Book a Distance Reiki Session
Want to feel what Reiki is like before committing to a class? Try a one-on-one session for just $25.
Download our Distance Healing Session Prep & Integration eBooklet
Get a free digital guide with tips and journaling prompts to support your healing journey. This guide is useful to prepare for distance healing sessions of any kind, but it may help you understand a little bit about the process of “the work” this is part of the process.
Ready to dive in? Register now.
If your heart says yes, you can register for Reiki I and reserve your spot. Five 50% off scholarships are available for students who register through Whole Self Unity.
Reiki is a gentle, hands-on energy healing practice that supports your body, mind, and spirit.
You Are Welcome Here
At Whole Self Unity, we believe healing happens when we come home to ourselves. Reiki Level One is an invitation to do just that—with kindness, clarity, and connection. If you’re ready to begin, we’ll be here to walk with you every step of the way.
Let’s begin.
