Reiki Intake Form Tips: What to Include for Clients

Are you a Reiki practitioner or Reiki Master who is looking for ideas on what to include in a Reiki intake form, and how to manage the logistics of sending and receiving it? You’ve come to the right place!

My name is Lillie, and I’ve been a certified Reiki practitioner since 2018. As shown in my article, “Reiki Practitioner Cleansing,” I take it very seriously to give each and every energy work client an excellent customer service experience. In my view, the intake form is the #1 place to start with this welcoming and supported experience.

Why and How to Use a Reiki Intake Form

Before a session with a new client, I require them to fill out my electronic Reiki intake form, which they are automatically redirected to on Google Forms via Calendly, after they book and pay for their session. Having clients pre-pay the full Reiki session cost, as well as complete out this intake form in advance, helps boost safety, and provides assurance that the client and I are aligned in our aims.

I have the Google Form set up so that it emails me an alert whenever a new intake form has been filled out. When I get the alert, I read over the form, and assess whether I need to reach out to the client to clarify anything in advance (usually not). I then re-read the form at least once in the hour preceding our session, so I know exactly what their aims and specifications are, and can give them the best possible experience.

I cannot stress enough how much better a customer service experience it is to require a digital form prior to a session, versus having the client cut into their session time to slog through paper forms in the studio. As someone who goes to Reiki therapy and bodywork professionals, myself, I far prefer the Google Form approach! So, what does one put on this highly useful form?

What Should Be on a Reiki Intake Form?

Now that we know how important the intake form is, and how to use it, what should be included? Here is an explanation of each part I use [written in brackets], with examples of my actual wording. Make sure to require answers for all questions in your Google Forms settings. These questions can work either for individual Reiki, or couples Reiki.

1. A clear title, and a welcome, with contact information.

Healing Touch “L” Reiki Intake Form

Hello, and welcome to the exciting time leading up to our Reiki session! Filling out this form will help Lillie provide you with the best possible experience. The day of your appointment, please arrive on time, wearing soft, thin clothes (or bring some to change into), and bring a full water bottle. Further information can be found in the confirmation email that was just sent to you, and at HealingTouchL.com. Feel free to email any questions to [insert email here]. I look forward to working with you!

2. Client email and name.

[Don’t forget this name and email question, or your client responses will end up accidentally anonymous!]

3. Intention-setting.

What are you hoping to get from this Reiki session? (Ex: Is there something in your emotions, life, or body you’re hoping to shift from this gentle touch energy work?)

4. Background experience.

Is there anything I should know about your previous Reiki or bodywork experiences?

5. Body interaction preferences.

Are there areas of your body you would prefer the touch to be focused, or areas to avoid? (Ex: I could place hands just on shoulders or head, or could do the full body sequence, including arms and legs.)

[Making requests can be hard for many people when in the moment, so giving this opportunity to type preferences in advance is highly helpful.]

6. Talking preferences.

Do you prefer more verbal communication during the session, or more silence? Check which most applies:

• More verbal communication

• More silence

• A mix of the two

[This question is important, because some clients are looking for a more verbal life coach experience, while others may just want quiet.]

7. Sensitivities or special accommodations.

Do you have any sensitivities to scents (ex: candles)? Might you want a support pillow under your knees, or elsewhere? (The table is soft enough that most clients don’t request extra supports, but they are available upon request!)

8. Sickness waiver.

Do you agree to reschedule if you or the practitioner feel sick before the appointment?

• Yes

• No

[Though I do have a 24-hour cancellation policy, I waive it in the case of illness, as no one wants germs to be spread! See “Coughing During Reiki” for more.]

9. Liability waiver.

Do you agree to the following waiver?

[Insert a waiver here that covers the following aspects:

– A background of what Reiki is.

– A clarification that Reiki is not meant to cure medical conditions, and a licensed physician should be consulted for health matters. An explanation that Reiki is meant to complement traditional health care, not replace it.

– Guidelines for seeking additional support from a trained therapist for mental health supports, as Reiki is meant to compliment, not replace traditional counseling.

– A general liability waiver to protect the Reiki practitioner from being held liable for any results during or after the session.

Note: Reiki practitioners should also have liability insurance, and consider consulting with a lawyer to solidify all aspects of liability wording and coverage.]

• Yes

• No

10. Marketing information.

For new clients: How did you hear about [insert name of Reiki practice here]?

[This question is key in ascertaining how to best spend your marketing time and dollars.]

Thank you!

For more information, check out [insert your Reiki website here].

Reiki Intake Forms, in Sum

I hope this overview of what makes a good Reiki intake form is useful. I’ve found these forms absolutely central to the smooth functioning of my practice, and I believe they can help many others. (See my article on “Reiki Massage” for another important clarification before a session.) If you use a form like this, what tips would you add? If you don’t yet, what questions can I answer? Do share!

For more Reiki practitioner tips, browse my in-depth article about how to create great Reiki images for your website, marketing materials, and educational purposes.

Want more? See my analysis of my specialty in my Reiki practice and business: Chakra colors…