What does a Reiki session actually feel like?

Every experience is unique. Most people feel a deep sense of warmth and relaxation. You might feel a gentle tingling, see colors in your mind’s eye, or simply feel a profound sense of "lightness." Many clients fall into a peaceful "twilight" sleep—which is a wonderful sign that your nervous system is finally resting.

Do I have to remove my clothes?

No. Unlike massage, Reiki is performed with the client fully clothed (except for shoes). I recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing so you can relax completely on the treatment table.

What if I can't sit still or my mind won't stop racing?

That is perfectly okay! The forest isn’t a library; it’s a living ecosystem. You don't need to be a meditation expert to receive Reiki. Because Reiki has its own intelligence, it will work around your busy thoughts. Many clients find that as the "flow" begins, their body naturally settles into the "clearing" at its own pace.

What if I fall asleep?

Please do! In the Flowing Forest, sleep is a huge compliment. It means your nervous system feels safe enough to let down its guard. Whether you are lying there awake or deep in a dream, the energy finds its way to your roots just the same.

What if I feel emotional during the session?

Sometimes, clearing a blockage is like a spring thaw — things start to move. If you feel the need to sigh, cry, or laugh, you are in a safe, trauma-informed space. I’ve spent 15 years supporting people through all kinds of "weather," and I am here to hold the space for whatever you need to release.

Is Reiki a substitute for my medical or mental health treatment?

Not at all. Think of Reiki as a complementary partner to your current care. I maintain a profound respect for medical and mental health professionals, acknowledging the many dedicated practitioners in the field. Reiki doesn’t replace their work; it supports your body’s ability to receive that care by lowering stress and improving your energetic resilience.

What if I can’t lie still or have physical support needs?

Because of my extensive experience in disability and aged care, I am highly adaptable. If you cannot lie flat on a massage table, we can conduct the session in a supportive chair or use bolsters and pillows to ensure you are perfectly comfortable. Your physical dignity and comfort are my top priorities.

Do I have to "believe" in it for it to work?

Reiki is not a religion or a belief system. It is a form of energy work. Much like you don’t need to "believe" in electricity for a lightbulb to turn on, you don’t need to be a spiritual expert to feel the physiological benefits of a nervous system that has finally been given permission to settle.

Is Reiki recognised in medical settings?

​Yes, absolutely. Far from being "fringe," Reiki is a globally recognized complementary therapy integrated into hundreds of hospitals worldwide, including here in Australia.

​In fact, some of our most respected institutions—such as Fiona Stanley Hospital (WA), Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (WA), and The Mater (North Sydney) — offer Reiki to support patients in oncology, palliative care, and surgical recovery. It is valued by medical teams because it is non-invasive, has no side effects, and is clinically shown to:

​* Activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" state).

​* Significantly reduce preoperative anxiety and stress.

​* Manage perception of pain and improve sleep quality.

How will I feel after the session?

Most feel "lighter" and more grounded. However, because Reiki encourages the body to release stored tension, you might feel a bit tired or emotional as your system processes the shift. I always recommend drinking plenty of water and giving yourself a quiet evening following our time together.

Do I need to hold my pet still during the treatment?

No, and I prefer that you don't. In the Flowing Forest, we honor the animal’s agency. Your pet is free to move, stretch, get a drink, or walk away and come back. The energy flows where it is needed regardless of whether they are sitting still or pacing. Often, once they realise they aren't being restrained, they choose to settle down on their own.

What if my dog barks or can’t settle down?

As a former Vet Nurse, I can promise you: I’ve seen it all! I don't expect your pet to "behave" like a statue. If your dog wants to walk around the room, chew a toy, or bark at a bird, the Reiki still reaches them. For very anxious pets, I recommend a Distance Session so they feel 100% safe in their "den."

In the clearing, the animal is always the guide. I never force energy on a companion; instead, I simply sit in a calm, grounded state and offer the Reiki to them. 

Signs that an animal may not be ready for or want a session include: 

• Moving away or leaving the room completely. 

• Showing signs of agitation (this is their way of saying "I am uncomfortable"), and not settling or relaxing after several minutes.  

• Not making eye contact and turning their back to me. 

If this happens, I will immediately cease offering the energy and ensure the animal feels completely safe and unpressured. We can always try again another day or consider a Distance Session instead. 

My pet is terminal/very frail. Is Reiki too much for them?

Not at all. Reiki is the gentlest form of support. It doesn't "push" energy; it offers it. For an animal near the end of their life, Reiki is like a warm sunbeam — it provides comfort, eases the transition, and helps them feel supported as their own flow changes.

How will I know if it’s working for them?

Animals are incredibly honest about energy. While every pet is different, common signs that they have entered the "flow" include:

Eye contact. ​

Deep sighs or yawning.

​Rumbling tummies (a sign the nervous system is switching to 'rest and digest').

​Twitching muscles or rapid eye movement (like when they are dreaming).

​Simply falling into a deep sleep.

​Can you help with rescue animals who have trauma?

Yes. This is one of the most beautiful uses of Reiki. Because Reiki is non-verbal and non-invasive, it offers a way to soothe a rescue animal's nervous system without triggering their fear of hands or handling. It is a way to say, "You are safe here," in a language they understand instinctively.

​Do you treat animals other than dogs and cats?

Yes! My veterinary nursing background gave me experience with all kinds of creatures, from rabbits and guinea pigs to birds. Energy is universal. If they have a heartbeat, they have a flow, and I am happy to hold space for them.

Can Reiki help with behavioral issues? 

Reiki is excellent for settling the nervous system. While it isn't "training," a calmer animal is much more receptive to learning and less likely to react out of fear or stress.

Do you offer "Joint Sessions" for pet and owner? 

Yes! Given my background in both human and animal care, I offer a 'Whole Home Harmony' package where I hold space for both the owner and the pet simultaneously. This is beautiful for owners who are stressed about their pet's health.

My pet is reactive or fearful of strangers. Can they still have a session?

This is actually the perfect scenario for Distance Reiki (what I like to call the "Wood Wide Web").

From my time as a Vet Nurse, I know that for some animals, having a stranger enter their home — no matter how calm that person is — puts their nervous system into "fight or flight" mode. That state makes it very hard for them to relax and receive healing.

With a Distance Session:

They stay in their "Den": Your pet remains in their own safe, familiar environment without any intruders.

No Triggers: There are no strange smells, no eye contact, and no need for them to "guard" you or their space.

Pure Connection: Because energy isn't limited by physical distance, I can connect with their frequency remotely.

I have found that reactive or highly anxious pets often respond better to distance work because their guard is down, allowing the energy to land softly and deeply.

How can I feel it if you aren’t in the room?

Think of it like a cell phone or Wi-Fi. We can’t see the signals moving through the air, but we know they carry information and energy to exactly the right destination. In the Flowing Forest, I tap into the "Wood Wide Web" — the invisible network that connects all living things. As a practitioner, I use my focus to tune into your specific frequency, allowing the healing energy to find you, no matter the distance.

Do I need to be on a Zoom call the whole time?

Nope! While we will have a brief check-in, the actual Reiki flow is often best experienced in silence. You don't need to stare at a screen. You just need to be in a place where you can relax. I will "hold the line" on my end while you rest on yours.

Is it as effective as an in-person session?

Energy is not bound by time or space. Many clients find Distance Reiki actually more profound because they are in their most "safe" environment — their own home. This is especially true for pets, who can remain in their favorite sunny spot while receiving the flow.

What if I get distracted or my kids interrupt me?

Don't panic! The "Wood Wide Web" has an intelligent flow. Once we have set the intention for the session, the energy continues to support you even if you are briefly interrupted or your toddler needs a snack. You can simply return to your breath and rejoin the experience — the forest will still be waiting for you. 

In the Flowing Forest, you are in safe, experienced, and professional hands. My approach is a unique blend of clinical precision, community heart, and holistic movement. 

My Professional Foundation

I hold a Diploma of Community Services (Case Management) and a Diploma of Leadership and Management. My career has been dedicated to supporting others through complex journeys, having delivered vital programs such as the FaHCSIA Better Start for Children with a Disability Initiative, the NDIA Community Connector Program, and the Propel Peer Coaching Program.

Education & Advocacy

I am a passionate educator at heart, dedicated to translating complex information into accessible tools that empower others to navigate their own wellness journeys with confidence. 

I have delivered educational workshops across Tasmania regarding navigating the NDIS, implementing NDIS plans, and maintaining wellness while living with a spinal cord injury. My training also extends to the Department of Social Services (Canberra) for the Carer Gateway services, where I became a Coach and an Outcomes Star Licensed Trainer through Unique Outcomes.

My Holistic Training

To support my transition into energetic and somatic healing, I am continually growing my "roots":

Reiki

I have been formally attuned to Level 1 and Level 2 in the Mikao Usui Reiki lineage. This traditional lineage forms the backbone of my practice, ensuring the energy shared is grounded in the original teachings and principles of Reiki.

Yoga

I am currently in the process of completing my Yoga Teacher Training. Once I have completed my adult certification, I will be moving directly into Kids Yoga Training, allowing me to bring the "Flowing Forest" experience to the youngest members of our community. 

When you work with me, you aren't just receiving Reiki; you are working with a practitioner who deeply understands the complexities of caregiving, disability, and the human spirit.

If you would like to delve deeper into the history and practice of Reiki, here are some wonderful places to start:

​The Origins: Mikao Usui

Reiki as we know it today began with Mikao Usui in early 20th-century Japan. He sought a way to heal without depleting one's own energy, leading to the system of Usui Reiki Ryoho.  

• ​The International Center for Reiki Training: History of Reiki 

• Australian Reiki Connection: The History of Reiki

​Clinical Research & Hospitals

• ​The Center for Reiki Research 

• ​Reiki Australia: Reiki in Hospitals

​Animal Reiki

• ​The Shelter Animal Reiki Association (SARA)