• At the time of the appointment, be sure that both you and your client are clear as to what is both expected and offered. Don't offer any other practice unless you have clearly discussed this with your client at the time of the appointment, and have received the client's consent; otherwise you are breaching the contract. Be sure that, in all advertising, you clearly state all your qualifications and modalities that you practise.

• If it appears that your client has a health problem, don't attempt any form of diagnosis. It is also not appropriate to offer any promise as to the outcome of the treatment.

• Give the treatment in a quiet, clean and private situation.

• Don't counsel - focus on listening. If you become aware that your client has emotional or other issues, don't attempt to address this but direct them to an appropriately qualified practitioner.

• Allow the client to lead any conversation. Treat any information given to you by your client as confidential.

• Perhaps play quiet relaxing music. Some people find silence difficult to handle.

• If a client has experiences during the treatment, such as visual scenes, sounds, sensations, flashbacks, etc, then allow them to be empowering for the client, for whom they may be significant. Don't offer your interpretation, and don't discuss your own experiences.

• Unless you are treating a close friend, don't discuss your own personal life, personal issues, etc. In the professional context this is termed "disclosure" and, for a variety of reasons, is considered an undesirable practice.

• Your dress, manner and speech should be free of sexual overtones. Your client needs to feel safe. Just be warm and friendly in your manner.

• Be aware - especially if treating a person of the opposite sex - that it is entirely inappropriate to introduce any conduct that may be interpreted as having sexual implications or overtones. If the practitioner becomes aware of the possibility of a relationship of this nature developing, then that practitioner must refer the client to another practitioner forthwith.

• If a problem or situation is beyond your scope or skills, direct your client to the appropriate practitioner. Respect the client's choice of practitioners, even if you don't agree with their choice.

• Don't indulge in psychic readings as part of Reiki. If you are a practising psychic, then this has to be separately advertised and informed consent given by your client if such a practice is offered.

• Allow time at the conclusion of the treatment to ensure your client is ready and able to get off the treatment couch. Your client may wish to have time to discuss the treatment, to ask questions, and to express appreciation of your empathy and presence.

• Accept that Reiki does not necessarily produce an immediate or obvious result, but that it always works and sometimes this is achieved at levels beyond the human consciousness, or on levels other than those sought or expected, and results may not happen immediately.

• It is always appropriate that, as a Reiki practitioner, you silently give thanks for the gift of Reiki as you conclude the treatment.

• Finally, always remember Takata's saying - "Do the practice - trust Reiki".

We invite comment on the content and direction of this paper from practitioners of Reiki who either are already working, or are contemplating working in the professional field, such as in hospital, hospice, or clinic situations.

We are also creating a dossier of case studies dealing with the effects of psychic practice in Reiki - both harmful or otherwise - and will appreciate the receipt in writing of any relevant case studies. We would stress that confidentially will be maintained in these case studies: where appropriate, names of persons involved will be omitted or changed.