The Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma is a one-year cohort course in which students move through the material at the same pace, interacting in in-person and online sessions. It is structured into four equal quarters and includes the traditional Japanese Reiki 1 and 2 training. It takes place in London, United Kingdom and runs twice a year, with Cohort 1 starting in April and Cohort 2 starting in October.
The course is designed to empower Reiki students to develop through personal growth and self-development. It offers the potential for periods of pause to enable self-reflection, facilitating the emotional and spiritual development of the student. Integral to this Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma course is a comprehensive self-healing and personal-growth programme.
It combines Japanese and western Reiki approaches, metaphysical principles and esoteric traditions to provide an integrated perspective on wellbeing, health and healing.
The Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma is the highest professional recognition for Reiki practitioners in the United Kingdom. Qualified students will be eligible to apply to the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council and receive the CNHC Quality Mark. Those who complete the course will be competent to practice Reiki in all settings i.e. private practice, in organisations and care homes including NHS establishments.
Becoming a Professional Reiki Practitioner
Reiki – Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council description
“Reiki” (ray-key) is Japanese for ‘universal life energy’, a term used to describe a natural system to help bring about an improved sense of wellbeing and a positive feeling of spiritual renewal. This tradition was founded by Dr Mikao Usui in the early 20th century and evolved as a result of his research, experience and dedication. It is a tradition that is open to any belief system and benefits may include deep relaxation and the promotion of a calm peaceful sense of wellbeing.
The method of receiving a Reiki treatment from a practitioner is simple. The recipient remains clothed and comfortably lies on a couch or sits on a chair. The practitioner gently places their hands non-intrusively, on or near the body using their intuition and training as a guide. There is no massage or manipulation. Reiki can be used on the person as a whole, or on specific parts of the body. It is also possible to receive Reiki at a distance.
Reiki is taught by Reiki Master/Teachers, who have trained in the tradition passed on, in person, from Master to student. Students go through a process of initiation/attunement to the Reiki energy. They are then able to treat themselves and others, not only from a personal and emotional perspective, but also as an aid to individual development and spiritual growth.
Reiki: a Complementary Therapy
Reiki is considered a complementary therapy that can be used alongside traditional medical treatments to support overall well-being and relaxation. It is not intended to replace conventional medical care but can complement it, potentially helping with conditions like pain, anxiety, and depression.
In some hospitals and medical centers, Reiki is offered as part of palliative care and can be found in cancer support centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, and hospices. It is used to help patients manage stress and emotional pain during difficult times.
The CNHC accreditation will become more important in the future as complementary therapies become more mainstream. If you are already in the complementary therapy profession and looking for a salaried role to practice Reiki, then it would be advisable to consider a Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma.
The Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma is an international professional qualification which demonstrates that the student has followed a specific programme of study that adheres to the National Occupational Standards (NOS) and Core Curriculum for Reiki training (as devised by the Reiki Council).
This programme is accredited by the UK Reiki Federation for registration with the government funded Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), the independent UK regulator for complementary healthcare practitioners. All assessments and verifications have been conducted by qualified Assessors and Verifiers of the UK Reiki Federation.
Benefits of Becoming a Professional Reiki Practitioner
- Gain competence and confidence to professionally work as a Reiki Practitioner.
- This course provides a safe container within which you are encouraged to explore inner experiences.
- Group supervision online sessions are available throughout the course.
- Receive the CNHC quality mark: The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) is recognised by the NHS, GP surgeries, professional bodies, and some private healthcare companies as being of a high standard and quality assured.
- Apply for roles in the NHS, hospices, health centres: You can apply to work with the NHS and other medical institutions that may require applicants to be verified.
- Support: Throughout the entire training the teacher is available for guidance by phone and email as well as in person at the Reiki Shares.
- Improved Credibility: The public will have a higher level of trust in you because you have been verified by a government organisation as complying with the highest standards of professional practice and code of ethics.
- Branding: You can use the CNHC quality mark on your marketing material and website as proof that you are a verified practitioner.
- Professionalism: All courses are offered teaching to the Core Curriculum and National Occupational Standards for Reiki.
International Recognition and Accreditation
Gendai Reiki Ho and Gendai Reiki Network International
Reiki was originally established as “Usui Reiki Ryoho” (meaning “Usui Reiki Healing Method”) by Mikao Usui in 1922 as “the way to make mind and body healthy on the basis of the Universal Reiki“.
This tradition evolved as a result of his research, experience and dedication. It is a tradition that is open to any belief system and benefits may include deep relaxation and the promotion of a calm peaceful sense of well-being.
Usui Reiki Ryoho has spread worldwide as a complementary therapy for modern medicine. More people are using Reiki to make their lives happier and healthier.
Gendai Reiki Ho is not a new Reiki system. It can be referred to as “original Japanese Usui Reiki Ryoho in the Gendai Reiki style,” as it allows people in modern society to learn and practice the original Japanese Usui Reiki Ryoho easily and comfortably. Gendai Reiki Ho has been accepted by many people as a very simple Body-Mind improvement technique that requires no hard training.
Gendai Reiki Healing Association (GRHA) is established by Hiroshi Doi, the founder of Gendai Reiki Ho. GRHA is dedicated to providing Gendai Reiki Official Manuals in multiple languages.
Gendai Reiki Network International (GRN) is a non-profit organization approved by the Japanese government. The purpose of the organization is to provide society with opportunities to experience Reiki as a lifelong learning, along with correct information about Reiki, and to contribute to realization of a healthy, happy and harmonious society.
UK Reiki Federation
The UK Reiki Federation (UKRF) is an independent, not-for-profit, professional organisation run by members for members. It is the largest Reiki-only professional organisation in the UK and Europe that set the highest standard for Reiki.
Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council
The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) is the independent UK regulator for complementary healthcare practitioners.
CNHC was set up with government support to protect the public by providing a UK voluntary register of health practitioners. CNHC’s register has been approved as an Accredited Register by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, a body accountable to Parliament.
Registered CNHC Reiki Practitioners receive the Quality Mark and can work in professional environments where verification is required, such as the National Health Service (NHS), GP surgeries, professional bodies, and some private healthcare companies. GPs can refer their patients to professional practitioners on the CNHC register.
Learn more about the professional advantages of CNHC registration
Some of the Topics covered in the Course
- The History of Reiki
- Mikao Usui Reiki Teachings
- Hawayo Takata Reiki Teachings
- Gendai Reiki Ho
- Hanshin Ritsumei
- Hiroshi Doi
- Western Reiki systems
- Reiki attunements
- The importance of self-healing
- An understanding of a Reiki treatment
- Reiki healing of animals and plants
- Reiki symbols
- Hand positions
- Distant Healing
- Japanese Techniques for Self-Purification and Self-Growth
- Western Reiki Techniques
- Energy Anatomy
- What is Healing?
- Basic Quantum Healing
- The Chakra System
- The Nature of Disease
- Conneting to your True Self
- Tapping into inner resources
- Absolute Reality vs relative reality
- Multidimensionality and Other Lives
- Basic Anatomy and Physiology
- What Is Complementary Healthcare?
- Speaking and Listening Skills
- Initial Consultation
- Client Confidentiality
- Record Keeping
- Boundaries in a Professional Relationship
- Exploring, establishing, and discussing the client’s needs and expectations
- Professional Requirements (Health and Safety, Insurance, Code of Conduct)
- National Occupations Standards
- Working in a professional environment (NHS, Hospices, Hospitals, talking with healthcare professionals)
- The issue of money
- Creating a Professional Reiki Practice
Course Structure
Course duration
The Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma Course runs in London, United Kingdom over a one-year period. It is structured into four equal quarters, with one 2-day in-person class every four months (65 hours in-person training), and 8 Zoom classes.
- C1: (2 days – 16 hours)
- C2: (2 days – 16 hours)
- C3: (2 days – 16 hours)
- C4: (2 days – 16 hours – includes a practical assessment)
Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements for the Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma Course.
Coursework
Students are required to complete a portfolio of work that demonstrates that they have achieved the level of knowledge and understanding and practical application of Reiki to meet these standards in a professional capacity.
- 10 x 4-sessions Reiki treatments case study (75 Reiki treatments in total given to others, 40 of which are recorded treatments)
- 100 self-treatments recorded in a journal
- Written questionnaire with multiple questions
Practical Assessment
On completion of the 4 in-person classes and the required coursework, students will be able to register for the practical assessment which consists of a Reiki treatment given in front of two qualified Reiki Master Teachers.
Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma 2025/2026
REGISTRATION CLOSING DATE 14 SEPTEMBER 2025
TRAINING DATES
2025-2026 DATES
- 27 & 28 September, 2025 – Violet Hill Studios, London
- 7 & 8 February, 2026 – Benedictine Institute, London
- 6 & 7 June, 2026 – Benedictine Institute, London
- 3 & 4 October, 2026 – Benedictine Institute, London
In-person training classes are two days each (Saturdays-Sundays).
Depending upon the day, required classes begin at 10am and continue until 6pm with a scheduled 1 hour lunch everyday.
Venues:
- Benedictine Institute, 74 Castlebar Road, Ealing, London, W5 2DD
- Violet Hills Studios, Centre for Healing Arts, 6 Violet Hill, St John’s Wood, London, NW8 9EB
ZOOM CLASS DATES
2025-2026 DATES
- 13 November, 2025
- 11 December, 2025
- 15 January, 2026
- 19 March, 2026
- 16 April, 2026
- 14 May, 2026
- 16 July, 2026
- 17 September, 2026
The online zoom meeting between classes are usually 60-minute sessions and start at 8:00 PM UK Time (unless stated otherwise). They and are meant to provide connection for the students between the training weeks. These sessions are often used to discuss coursework and questions.
Online sessions are optional. Schedule may be subject to change.
Fees
The tutor fee for 8 days of training, 8 online sessions, supervision and certification is £1,125.
The training is lead by Giancarlo Serra in English.
Payment options:
1. Pay in four installments:
- Registration: £285
- January 2026 – £280
- May 2026 – £280
- September 2026 – £280
2. One-off payment: £975.
Qualifications
At the end of the course you will receive the following qualifications:
- Gendai Reiki Ho Level I Shoden certificate
- Gendai Reiki Ho Level II Okuden certificate
- Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma certificate
You will be eligible to apply for:
- Master Practitioner Membership of the UK Reiki Federation
- Practitioner Membership of the Gendai Reiki Network
- Joining the CNHC Professional Register and to receive the CNHC Quality Mark
How to Register
Please fill out the form below to register. On receipt of your application to study this diploma you will be invited to attend a video call to discuss the programme and its requirements.
An information pack will then be emailed to you once you are offered a place in the program.
Teacher
Giancarlo Serra will be teaching all in-person and online classes of the Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma.
Giancarlo is a Gokuikaiden (Reiki Master) of the Japanese Lineage, as well as a Reiki Master/Teacher of the Usui/Tibetan, the Usui/Holy Fire® and the Holy Fire® Karuna Reiki® Western Lineages of Reiki. He is an accredited Spiritual Healer and a tutor of the College of Psychic Studies in London, United Kingdom. Read more
Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma 2025/2026 (Cohort 2)
REGISTRATION CLOSING DATE 14 SEPTEMBER 2025
All information provided is private and confidential.
(* Required)
Testimonials
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Giancarlo is a knowledgeable, calm, humorous and patient Reiki Master. I had been attending his online healing and Reiki share sessions through lockdown whilst following his spiritual blogs and always knew if I did any further training, it would be with him. I recently completed the Level 2 Reiki Diploma, a year-long training with Giancarlo and what a journey it has been! The training is an immersive and experiential process, which if you are willing to commit yourself to fully, can be transformative. I am forever grateful for how I have grown and guided to make reiki an integral part of my life and can now use it support others. Thank you to Giancarlo for the support and teachings and for putting me in touch with a wonderful group of people. I would thoroughly recommend training with Giancarlo.
Priya Ferreira – Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma 2023/2024
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“I recently completed the Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma with Giancarlo Serra, Master Teacher and member of the UK Reiki Federation. I can only praise Giancarlo for his professionalism and the robustness of his training program which is fully approved by the UK Reiki Federation for registration with the CNHC. This is achieved through a number of face-to-face sessions, Reiki Practice, online group supervision, the completion of questionnaires, case studies and self-treatments in addition to revision of supportive material provided by Giancarlo throughout the year training. I would say that this program is really Top Class and would recommend it to anyone that is serious about becoming a Reiki Practitioner and would like to benefit from outstanding quality training. I continue to take advantage of Giancarlo’s offerings and cannot thank him enough for all the learnings, wisdom and advice provided during the last year. Thank you so much Giancarlo for everything you are and give unconditionally!”
Patricia Ramirez Velez – Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma 2023/2024
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I feel very grateful to have discovered Giancarlo as a Reiki teacher – but calling him that seems to do him an injustice as he has been a wonderful spiritual mentor for me. I have completed Reiki 1 and Reiki 2 and now my Reiki Diploma all with him. What a wonderful experience it has been. Giancarlo helps all his students along the way to ensure we achieve our full potential.
For anyone wanting to do Level 2, I would really encourage you to look at the Diploma afterwards – but not for the accreditation. It takes your understanding to a whole other deeper level. The reading that accompanied the course was one of my favourite aspects – not all of them are Reiki texts but have wider spiritual context (Autobiography of a Yogi will now be one of my favourite books of all time!). It’s a beautiful journey. When you are choosing your Reiki teacher, go with your instinct and you won’t go wrong. Thank you Giancarlo.
Sarah Needham – Professional Reiki Practitioner Diploma 2023/2024
