How Do I Start an Energy Healing Practice?

Starting something new—especially something as personal and meaningful as an energy healing practice—can feel overwhelming. You may not even be sure where to begin.

Maybe this wasn’t something you originally set out to do, but something in you knows: there’s something here worth exploring. And that first step can feel uncertain.

At EMPA, we work with hundreds of energy healing professionals—many of whom started exactly where you are now. We understand what it looks like to turn a healing gift into a practice with structure, safety, and credibility.

This article will walk you through the foundational steps to begin your own energy healing practice—with examples from someone who’s been there! We’ll cover education, business set-up, and what it takes to confidently share your work with the world.

How Do Energy Healers Get Started?

Sometimes, energy work isn’t something you set out to do—it’s something that gradually reveals itself to you.

Maybe you’ve noticed a natural sensitivity to others, or a strong desire to support people in their well-being. It could be that people turn to you when they’re anxious or in pain, and your presence alone helps them feel better. These are the kinds of signs many practitioners see long before they formally begin.

Feeling drawn to healing work doesn't always come with a clear “how-to.”

You might simply know that there’s more you want to offer—and you’re curious what’s possible. This early stage is less about having a plan, and more about noticing what's already showing up in your life.

A Note from Katherine Krupka, Director of EMPA:

I never really set out to open a healing practice. My path started with Reiki, and over time I added other skills—like aromatherapy, Healing Touch, and eventually, naturopathy. But in the beginning, my focus was on education and coaching. Energy work wasn’t the plan…it just kept showing up.

Like many practitioners, I “fell into” this work because I kept noticing what my clients really needed. I realized that if I wanted to support them fully, I had to learn to work with energy—because that’s where the deeper shifts were happening.

If you’re in that place where things feel a little unstructured or unexpected, know that you’re not alone. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Sometimes the practice finds you before you build the structure around it!

The desire to help others is often already active before the “business” side begins.

If you’re feeling a quiet pull to take this work more seriously, there’s a good chance you’re already on the path.

Choose Your Healing Modality and Training Program

If you’re feeling called to this work, one of the most empowering things you can do is choose a healing method that resonates with you.

That might be Reiki, Healing Touch, aromatherapy, or something else entirely. When you’re ready, it’s time to pursue the education and skill building that will be at the heart of your future practice.

This is important: a certification isn’t just a formal piece of paper. It is the structure, clarity, and credibility that will carry you into this work as a professional.

While some healers begin with intuitive or informal experience, training brings consistency to your sessions. It will provide clients with confidence in what to expect, while simultaneously grounding you in your approach.

Getting certified also opens up practical doors.

When you train in an established method, you often gain access to insurance, client service resources, and a network of support that you might not have on your own. In many ways, this is where the transition from “gift” to “profession” begins.

Choosing your method is a personal step, but it’s also the foundation for what your practice will become.

As you evaluate programs, consider what you’re naturally drawn to, what kind of support you’ll receive, and how the training will help you grow. This is where your practice starts to take form!

💡If you’re a part of a professional association, you could gain access to a continuous ability to stay connected and learn. You might find people to collaborate with, opportunities to grow your skillset, and resources to support you throughout each stage of your career.

What You Need to Set Up Your Practice

As your education deepens, it’s natural to start imagining what your energy work could look like in practice. We consider this next chapter in your journey the “logistic” phase of building a business.

So, what do you actually need to get started?

A Setup Checklist for New Energy Healers

This chapter is less about having all the answers and more about getting clear on a few foundational pieces. You might start by choosing a business name or thinking through how you want to offer your services. Will people come to your home? Will you travel to them? Would you prefer to work virtually? Will you work alone or with a partner?

Here are some of the core elements (in no particular order) to consider as you begin:

Your Business Name: You may choose a business name that reflects the nature of your work and feels authentic to you. This can be as simple as your own name or something more specific to your practice’s focus.

Business Registration or Permit (if required): Depending on your location, you may need to register your business or apply for a local business permit.

Banking & Finance: Setting up a separate business bank account can help you stay organized and make it easier to track income and expenses. Think about how you’d like to manage money coming in and out of your practice. Will you use an invoicing tool, a booking platform with payment features, or something else? We suggest a system that fits your current needs but leaves room to grow.

Your Session Rate: Deciding what to charge can feel tricky at first—but it’s an important part of setting up a sustainable practice. Look at what others in your area with similar training and experience are charging, then check in with what feels right for you.

💡Need more guidance? Read: What Should I Charge for My Energy Healing Sessions? for practical tips and a thoughtful approach to pricing your services.

Practice Model: Decide how and where you’ll meet with clients. Will you see people in your home, visit them in theirs, work out of an office, or offer sessions virtually? What other considerations will be vital to setting up your work? Furniture? Essential oils? Reading materials? A website? Put together a list of “ingredients” that are a part of your work’s “recipe!”

Working Alone or With Others: Will you build this practice solo, or do you plan to collaborate with a partner or team? Some practitioners thrive independently, while others enjoy sharing space with others in their field.

Local and State Laws: This is an important research step; don’t skip it! While most energy healing is not formally regulated, some states or municipalities have rules that apply to how and where you can offer your services. Take time to review your state and local laws so you feel confident and aligned from the start.

These details may unfold gradually, and that’s completely fine. What matters is that you’re beginning to build the framework for something exciting and sustainable.

“It can feel overwhelming, but it isn’t usually difficult. And if you join a professional association, others have done it before, and they can help you too.” – Katherine Krupka

Why Liability Insurance Matters When You’re Starting Out

It is around this time that you want to think about protecting what you’re building.

It’s common to feel like you don’t need insurance yet—especially if you’re still setting things up or haven’t worked with many clients. But having coverage in place from the beginning gives you peace of mind and frees you up to focus on your work.

Think of it this way: you wouldn’t offer sessions without a treatment table—it’s essential. Insurance is just as foundational. In fact, a year of insurance probably costs less than your table would. Once you’ve checked it off your list, it’s done—and you don’t have to carry that question with you anymore.

💡Curious what you really get out of having liability insurance? Read: The ROI of Liability Insurance for Energy Healers and see how the right coverage can protect your practice, reputation, and income as an investment in your work.

Taking this step early also makes it easier to work confidently. You’ll know you’re covered, your clients are protected, and your practice is grounded in professionalism from day one.

These decisions—where and how you’ll practice, how you’ll structure your business, and how you’ll protect yourself—are all part of stepping fully into this work. Each one helps move you forward with purpose.

💡If you’re not sure where to start with insurance, that’s exactly what EMPA is here for! We specialize in supporting energy healing professionals with liability coverage that fits your work and your budget. When you’re ready, we’re here to help you get protected so you can focus on growing your practice with peace of mind.

How to Start Working With Clients

Once the foundation is in place, it’s time to start offering your work! You are open for business!

This step can bring up a lot: excitement, nervousness, maybe even hesitation. That’s normal.

You get to choose how visible you want to be and how you want to grow. Some practitioners begin with a few sessions for friends and family. Others start with local fairs, word of mouth, or an online presence.

The important thing is to begin in a way that feels true to you. It’s okay to start small. It’s also okay to go big. You get to decide.

At this stage, it’s helpful to think about what makes a session feel safe and supportive—for both you and your clients. This might include:

• Being clear about what you offer: Not everyone understands energy healing, and it’s easy to assume people already “get it.” They often don’t. You don’t have to oversell—but you do need to identify your role. A simple, Here’s what I do, here’s how I work with clients statement goes a long way in helping people understand and trust your approach.
  
  
• Using safe, compliant language: There are guidelines around how healing work is described—especially when it comes to medical terminology. Staying within ethical language helps protect your practice and your clients. If you’re unsure, this is another place where being part of a professional association can help guide you.
  

Be proud of your work! While this doesn’t mean you have to shout or over-explain, you do want to be visible enough for someone to find you. Clients often need more clarity and direction than we think. Sometimes, they’re just waiting for someone to say: If it feels right, I’d love to work with you.

What’s Next: Growing Your Practice and Choosing the Right Support

Many practitioners find that their work changes as they go. You might begin with one modality, then notice that certain clients are seeking something deeper or more specific. That curiosity leads you to adjust and grow.

Perhaps today, your practice is shaped by everything you’ve studied and the experience you’ve gained so far. As you continue to work with more clients, you’ll develop clearer boundaries, stronger intuition, and a more grounded sense of who you are as a practitioner.

Looking ahead, your practice will continue to evolve. It is a natural part of your development as a healer.

As your practice changes, your responsibility to protect it shifts too. If you haven’t already, take a moment to review your insurance coverage and make sure it reflects where your work is now. You can download our free Buyer’s Guide to better understand coverage options and what to look for when choosing liability insurance for your healing practice.

Take your next step at your own pace. Your practice will grow as you grow.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not provide legal, financial, or medical advice. The examples are general, and coverage may vary by policy. Always refer to your insurance provider or policy language for specific details, as the policy terms take precedence. For legal concerns related to your practice, consult an attorney.