HEALER TRAINING

You may have decided that you wish to do a healing course and the first consideration would be to have a look at your motivation for doing this. It could be an emerging interest, a need to look at your own health and well-being, an urge to help others, or any other reason and if you are not really sure, the best way forward would be to read a few books and attend a few short classes or a workshop on the subject.

If your ultimate motivation is to help others, it may still be worthwhile to attend a workshop or short course before deciding on a full diploma course since there is far more involved in healer training than meets the eye. The following is a brief outline and hopefully helpful guideline for prospective students.

What is involved in healer training?

Healer training can roughly be divided into several aspects:

1. General therapy subjects: this includes administration of a healing practice, code of conduct, health & safety, basic A&P, basic aspects of gemmology and subjects of a similar nature.

2. Skills needed in regard to client care: includes basic listening skills, recognising and dealing with a healing crisis and the many subjects that are mentioned in the standard of practice guidelines.

3. Theories, integration and practice of all the subtle energy subjects: these are the subjects that can be found on the core curriculum training standards and include subtle anatomy, how to accurately assess the systems within the auric field, how to appropriately address any issues that are found, how to channel energies safely and effectively, and all aspects of self-care for the healer.

4. Healer development: this is probably the most challenging subject of all and includes the intuitive development and spiritual maturity that is needed in order to perceive and work with subtle energies. It also includes personal development, since intense work with subtle energies usually brings up unresolved issues within a healer, who will then need to deal with these.

5. The use of crystals in healing: this is a subject that is not all that easy to master. Apart from basic gemmology the student must learn about the different energies that each crystal represents and then be able to choose and effectively use appropriate crystals to help address issues within the subtle anatomy of a client. Every person is unique and one cannot therefore generalise concerning this or claim that a specific crystal treats a specific disease or condition. To give an example, a fairly robust person, suffering from the same issue as a fragile person, would require entirely different crystals and possibly different techniques to help regain their well-being.

Furthermore, should a number of crystals be used in a session, they must fully harmonise. It is also important to be able to gauge how much can be addressed in one session. In addition to this quite a number of techniques are taught that also take time and practice to integrate and become skilled at. Another concern is that using crystals incorrectly can be either ineffective or, more seriously, aggravate existing problems. This is only a simplified explanation and hopefully outlines why it does take a few years to gain the necessary skills to start practicing competently using such powerful tools.

6. How long does it take?: In our view, students who have successfully completed a two year course and their case studies are ready to start practicing professionally and able to do so in a responsible and effective manner. To become a specialist in this field does, however, take several years of further practice and training.

7. How much time, effort and work are involved?: Healing courses are fairly intense and necessitate written work, practical sessions, case studies, reading, meditation and in-depth work with crystals. Increased sensitivity and profound development and self-healing may at times involve clearing and dealing with certain emotional & thought patterns which can also be demanding. A few hours a week should be sufficient for this.

8. Healing and Religion: Subtle Energy Therapies are non-denominational. (Please note that spiritualist and other churches may perceive this differently). FSEM schools do not teach in the name of any religion, biblical figures or icons. Schools/tutors must also not purport to channel wisdom given via biblical or historical individuals.

9. The Angelic: There are many healers who believe that the Angelic forms part of all healing work. Since the Angelic also forms part of a number of religions and philosophies, this could be perceived as an overlapping area. Our view is that anyone can ask the Angelic directly for help and healing, and does not need an intermediary to do this. Obviously many healers do ask the Angelic for help with their healing work, and we would suggest this is done silently and respectfully without making any special claims to clients. We also would like to express our view that those who do not believe in the Angelic are not at a disadvantage where healing is concerned.

10. Guides and Guidance: Most healers believe in a higher guidance (according to their own personal belief system). Healers also use their sensitivity and intuition in regard to assessing a client’s energy field and in regard to choosing which specific crystals may be appropriate to use. Healers will, however, always be able to justify and take full responsibility for what they do.

11. Recognised Qualifications: Subtle energy therapies are not yet scientifically recognised and voluntary self-regulation is not mandatory. We would, however, recommend prospective students to ensure that their school forms part of an accrediting organisation (such as the FSEM) with a healer membership.

12. Interview: We would advise prospective students to always come for a chat in order to meet the course tutor and to find out if the course represents what they are looking for. No tutor will be offended if asked about their own qualifications or length of experience in their therapy or teaching it. Taking a list with prepared questions is also a good idea.

13. Fees: Most schools charge a similar fee and many will accept payments in instalments. The fee should, however, not be the first consideration. The content of a syllabus and the information gained during an interview are more important.

14. Websites: Many websites are similar and at times people ‘borrow’ content from other sites. It may therefore be a good idea to ensure that what is promoted on a site is accurate and can be substantiated. FSEM has created clear statements on what subtle energy medicine to practitioner and specialist levels, energy healing, crystal healing, Bach flower remedies and de-stress therapy mean and what is involved in the qualification of these therapies.

15. Previous Training and Experience: For those who have already trained or obtained a qualification in a similar therapy, healer training may prove to be less demanding.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Federation of Subtle Energy Medicine.