Reiki Level 1 — Shoden (First Degree)

Begin your journey with Reiki

Reiki Level 1 is where every practitioner begins. It's a gentle, grounded introduction to a healing system that has been practised around the world for more than a hundred years — and, at RP Therapies, it's taught in a calm, purpose-built therapy centre where you can learn at your own pace without distraction.

Whether you're called to Reiki for your own self-care, to support family and friends, or as the first step toward becoming a practitioner, Level 1 gives you everything you need to begin confidently.

What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese energy-healing system developed by Mikao Usui in the early 1900s. The name translates roughly as "universal life energy." In practice, it's a simple hands-on technique where the practitioner acts as a channel for that energy, supporting the body's own ability to relax, rebalance, and restore.

It is non-religious, non-invasive, and suitable for almost everyone — received fully clothed, either seated or lying down.

What Reiki Level 1 covers

Level 1 — known traditionally as Shoden, meaning "first teachings" — focuses on self-healing and healing others through hands-on contact. Over the course of the day you will:

• Learn the history and lineage of Reiki, from Mikao Usui to the present day

• Receive your Level 1 attunement — the traditional energetic initiation passed from teacher to student

• Learn the standard Usui hand positions for treating yourself and others

• Practise giving and receiving Reiki in a safe, supportive small-group setting

• Explore the Five Reiki Principles and how to weave them into everyday life

• Understand the chakra system and how Reiki supports energetic balance

• Be guided on setting up a simple daily self-treatment practice

By the end of the day you'll be able to offer Reiki to yourself, to family and friends, and — if you wish — begin working toward practitioner level.

Who is this course for?

This course is open to anyone aged 18 or over. No prior experience of Reiki, meditation, or energy work is required. It's equally suited to:

• Complete beginners curious about Reiki

• Therapists and bodyworkers wanting to add Reiki to their toolkit

• People drawn to Reiki for personal healing, stress reduction, or spiritual growth

• Those intending to go on to Reiki Level 2 and eventually Master level

What's included

• A full day of in-person tuition at the RP Therapies centre

• Your Level 1 attunement

• A printed Level 1 course manual to keep

• A certificate of completion on the Usui lineage

• Refreshments throughout the day and a light lunch

• Ongoing email support after the course as you settle into your practice

• An open invitation to future Reiki shares and practitioner circles

Course details

• Duration: One full day (approx. 9:30am – 4:30pm)

• Group size: Small groups only — maximum 4 students per course

• Location: RP Therapies, our purpose-built therapy centre (address shared on booking)

• Investment: £160— includes manual, certificate, attunement, and lunch

• Dates: See upcoming availability below, or contact us to arrange a bespoke date

What to expect on the day

You'll arrive to a quiet, welcoming space with tea, coffee, and somewhere comfortable to settle. The day blends short, easy-to-follow teaching sessions with plenty of practical, hands-on time — you won't be sitting listening to theory for hours.

The attunement itself is a quiet, seated process that takes only a few minutes but is the heart of the day. Many students describe it as deeply peaceful; others simply feel relaxed. Both are perfectly normal.

We finish with a group Reiki share so you leave having both given and received a treatment — and knowing first-hand what Reiki feels like from both sides.

After the course

Reiki Level 1 is yours for life. There is no requirement to progress further — many students stay at Level 1 and use Reiki purely for self-care and close family. Others feel drawn to continue to Reiki Level 2 (Okuden), which introduces the Reiki symbols, distance healing, and the foundations of working with clients.

You're welcome to take as much time as you need between levels. When you're ready, the next step is here.

About your teacher

Reiki Level 1 is taught by Richy ("Dickie") Parton, founder of RP Therapies and a dedicated Reiki and spiritual healing practitioner. Dickie is a twice-certified Usui Reiki Master, having completed his full Masters training with two different tutors on two separate lineages — a deliberate choice to deepen his understanding of the Usui system from more than one perspective before taking on students of his own. He's a working spiritual healer as well as a Reiki Master, and teaches with a calm, grounded, unhurried style — focused on giving you real confidence in your Reiki rather than simply a certificate on the wall.

Ready to begin?

If Reiki Level 1 feels like the right next step for you, we'd love to welcome you to the centre.

Reiki is a complementary therapy and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your GP for medical concerns.