How to Become an Energy Healer

A Career in Energy Healing

Energy healing is a holistic practice that operates on the principle that the body has an innate energy flow, and maintaining its balance can support overall well-being, as noted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI)^[1]. Rooted in ancient traditions and supported by modern holistic health practices, energy healing is based on the belief that energy flows through and around the body. When this energy is blocked or unbalanced, it can lead to discomfort or illness. By restoring harmony to these energy fields, practitioners help clients experience deep relaxation, stress relief, and overall well-being.

For many, becoming an energy healer is more than just a career—it’s a calling. You might be drawn through personal healing experiences or a desire to help others, energy healers find deep fulfilment in facilitating transformation and balance for their clients. The journey to becoming a practitioner offers opportunities for personal growth, continuous learning, and the ability to create a meaningful career in the wellness industry.

With increasing awareness of holistic health and alternative therapies, energy healing has become a sought-after service worldwide. From working in private practice to collaborating with wellness centres or offering remote healing sessions, practitioners have many pathways to build a successful and flexible career. For those passionate about holistic well-being, energy healing offers a rewarding way to make a difference in the lives of others while fostering their own spiritual and personal development. In addition, it offers a lifelong pathway of exploration into the deeper forces that guide healing and what prevents these forces from operating. Traditional Medicines from across the world, in addition to the numerous Complementary therapies that see themselves falling under the description of Energetic Healing^[2], work within this mode.

The Role of an Energy Healer

Energy healers work with clients by restoring balance and harmony within the body's energy system. Their role is to facilitate healing by identifying and addressing energetic imbalances that may contribute to physical, emotional, or spiritual discomfort. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), energy healing is based on the belief that a vital energy flows through the human body, and balancing this energy can promote well-being^[3]. Practitioners employ various techniques, such as Reiki, Healing Touch, and Therapeutic Touch, to influence the body's energy fields. These methods may involve direct physical contact (hands-on) or no physical contact (hands-off), depending on the specific practice^[4].

Beyond individual treatments, energy healers often guide clients on self-care practices, meditation, and lifestyle adjustments to help maintain energetic balance. Some practitioners integrate energy healing with other holistic modalities, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, or counselling, to provide a comprehensive approach to well-being.

For most practitioners, their work isn't just about working with others, but it also involves continuous personal development. Many healers incorporate daily practices like meditation, grounding exercises, or energy-clearing techniques to ensure they are in the optimal state to support their clients. Through their work, energy healers assist others in finding balance while also deepening their understanding of the mind-body connection. 

The Lingo

In the realm of energy healing, practitioners and enthusiasts often use specific terminology to describe concepts, techniques, and experiences. Understanding this language can enhance your comprehension of the practice and facilitate more meaningful discussions. Here are some commonly used terms in energy healing:​

• Chakras: Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "wheels," chakras are energy centres located along the spine. Each chakra is associated with specific physical, emotional, and spiritual functions. There are 7 main chakras: Crown Chakra, Third-Eye Chakra, Throat Chakra, Heart Chakra, Solar Plexus Chakra, Sacral Chakra, Root Chakra^[5].
• Attunement: A process in practices like Reiki where a master enhances and heightens a student's ability to channel healing energy^[5]. If you would like to learn more about Reiki attunement in depth, read here. 
• Energy blockage: Areas where the natural flow of energy is obstructed, potentially leading to physical or emotional discomfort. Energy healing techniques aim to identify and release these blocks.
• Meridian System: The meridian system is a network of energy pathways in the body, central to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shiatsu, etc, through which life force energy (Qi or Chi) flows and supports organ function and overall balance.
• Vibrational Medicine: Vibrational medicine refers to healing modalities that use subtle energy frequencies, such as sound, light, or intention, to restore harmony and coherence to the body’s biofield. For example, transference healing.
• Grounding: Grounding is the practice of energetically connecting to the Earth’s stabilising frequency, which helps discharge excess energy, calm the nervous system, and enhance physical and emotional presence.

Training and Qualifications: Pathways Around the World

Becoming an Energy Healer is as much a journey of self-discovery as it is a professional calling. Around the world, countless traditions—both contemporary and ancient—have cultivated rich practices of energetic healing, each offering unique approaches but sharing a common aim: to support balance, vitality and the innate wisdom of the human body. Whether rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Vedic philosophies, First Nations healing practices, or contemporary modalities like Reiki, Pranic Healing, or Quantum Touch, these pathways all acknowledge the unseen yet deeply felt currents of energy that flow within and around us.

Training as an Energy Healer can begin in many ways. It is important to understand that developing sensitivity for the subtle realms of existence takes time, patience and a commitment to clarifying and calming one's own field of energy.

Some practitioners are drawn to a specific lineage or modality from the start, while others begin with foundational courses that explore core energetic principles and offer an introduction to a range of techniques. Courses like the Diploma of Energetic Health offered by Nature Care College in Australia are a great way forward^[6], providing broad exposure to energetic anatomy, vibrational therapies, and mind-body healing, while allowing space to find your own pathway within the field.

Internationally, professional associations like the International Energetic Healing Association (IEHA) recognise a wide array of approved modalities, reflecting the expansive and inclusive nature of the energy healing profession. Members might be Reiki practitioners, meditation facilitators, yoga teachers, bodyworkers or even medical professionals—what unites them is an energetic mindset and a shared commitment to supporting the body’s natural healing intelligence. All IEHA members also commit to an ethical framework and the safety standards required of their chosen modality.

This ethical commitment is an important part of the journey in a field that is not regulated and relies on the integrity of its practitioners to bring about true healing.

Whether you’re drawn to healing hands-on or hands-off, in clinical, community, or ceremonial settings, there’s a training pathway that can support your growth. With integrity, openness, and a desire to honour both the science and the spirit of healing, the world of Energy Healing offers a rich and rewarding professional journey—deeply aligned with the call to help others return to balance and wholeness.

Skills and Qualities of a Successful Energy Healer

A proficient energy healer embodies a blend of personal attributes and professional competencies that collectively facilitate effective healing and transformation in clients. Key qualities include^[7]:​

• Empathy and Compassion: Establishing a deep connection with clients through genuine understanding and a desire to alleviate their discomfort is fundamental. 
• Intuition and Sensitivity: The ability to detect subtle energetic imbalances and choose appropriate healing techniques is crucial. 
• Knowledge and Expertise: A solid foundation in various energy healing modalities, along with an understanding of human anatomy and physiology, enables practitioners to tailor their approaches effectively. 
• Presence and Mindfulness: Being fully present during sessions allows practitioners to focus entirely on the client, fostering a supportive environment for healing. ​
• Integrity and Ethics: Upholding professional boundaries, maintaining confidentiality, and acting in the client's best interest are essential for building trust.
• Adaptability and Creativity: Tailoring techniques to meet individual client needs demonstrates flexibility and innovation in practice. ​
• Patience and Perseverance: Recognising that healing is a gradual process and providing consistent support is vital. ​
• Self-Care and Boundaries: Practising self-care and setting clear boundaries ensures practitioners maintain their well-being, enabling them to offer optimal care to clients

Having these qualities not only enhances the effectiveness of energy healers but also contributes to their personal growth and the overall well-being of their clients.

Career Opportunities and Growth

The field of energy healing offers a diverse array of career paths, each presenting unique opportunities for professional development and personal fulfilment. As holistic wellness gains mainstream acceptance, the demand for skilled energy healers continues to rise, paving the way for a promising career path^[8]. Energy healing encompasses a wide variety of modalities—from Reiki and chakra balancing to Pranic Healing and biofield therapies—allowing practitioners to specialize in areas that align with their interests, gifts, and cultural traditions.

Globally, energy healing is increasingly being integrated into wellness centres, spas, yoga studios, retreat venues, and even corporate wellness initiatives. For example, a recent job listing in Bali, Indonesia, advertised a full-time position for an experienced Reiki or energy healing practitioner to join a luxury eco-resort's healing sanctuary. The role included running private sessions, leading group energy meditations, and contributing to retreat programs focused on stress relief and spiritual alignment. Opportunities like this reflect the growing appreciation for holistic healing in lifestyle tourism and the broader wellness industry.

Moreover, practitioners who establish a strong online presence and engage in community outreach can build a loyal client base both locally and internationally. Offering services such as distance healing, energy attunement courses, group meditations, or corporate wellness programs can further expand a practitioner’s reach, impact, and income streams, creating a meaningful, flexible, and rewarding career in the process.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on a career in energy healing is a deeply rewarding journey that blends spiritual fulfilment with the opportunity to help others achieve balance and well-being. With diverse training pathways, a growing demand for holistic health, and numerous career opportunities, energy healing offers a flexible and meaningful profession. By cultivating the right skills, continuously learning, and building a strong connection with clients, aspiring energy healers can create a thriving practice that positively impacts lives. 

Step Into Practice with SoulAdvisor

Becoming a practitioner is just the beginning—how you choose to share your gifts with the world makes all the difference. At SoulAdvisor, we’re here to walk alongside you as you build a trusted, thriving practice in Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH).

By listing your practice with us, you join a respected global community of highly qualified practitioners across more than 150 holistic health fields. You’ll gain access to a dedicated team committed to raising the profile and integrity of TCIH around the world, while benefiting from seamless booking tools, professional visibility, and peer-to-peer support.

As a verified SoulAdvisor practitioner, you’ll be able to create a professional, trusted presence that reassures potential clients of your credentials, supported by our rigorous qualification process and community standards. This not only strengthens your personal brand, but it also strengthens public confidence in the value of holistic healing.

SoulAdvisor works alongside the International Energy Healing Association- IEHA  to ensure you are supported as an energetic healing practitioner with the utmost respect, care and possibilities for growth.

As we say at SoulAdvisor: Nourish Yourself, Heal Our World.