How to Use Testimonials Safely in Your Energy Healing Practice

Can You Actually Use That Testimonial?

You just wrapped up a session with a client who’s glowing. They’re thanking you, raving about how different they feel, and even offering to write you a testimonial. You’re thrilled! Though in the background, you notice you may feel…a little hesitant.

Can you safely use that testimonial? What if the client mentions symptoms? What if it sounds like you treated something?

For many energy and holistic practitioners, using testimonials feels like a gray area. And the truth is, it can be, if you don’t know where the ethical and legal lines are.

In this article, we’ll break down what’s allowed, what’s risky, and how to use testimonials in a way that feels aligned, professional, and safe for your practice.

The Appeal and The Risk

Testimonials are powerful. They add credibility, build trust, and give potential clients a real glimpse into what it’s like to work with you. In a field that can sometimes feel misunderstood or misrepresented, a great testimonial is like a golden ticket.

But there’s a catch: you can’t (or shouldn’t) just post anything a client says.

Even if their words are outstanding, if they include medical claims or suggest you cured or treated a condition, you are likely stepping outside your safety zone. That’s where the risk comes in; not just to your reputation, but to your professional standing and liability coverage.

For example, a testimonial that says:

“I’ve struggled with anxiety for years, but after two sessions with [Practitioner], I finally felt cured!”

…might sound wonderful, but it could imply you’re treating a medical condition—which crosses the line for most energy workers.

On the other hand, a client saying:

“I left my session feeling calmer and more grounded than I have in months.”

…is a safer way to reflect their experience without making health claims.

The difference isn’t in the client’s truth—it’s in how you use it.

What You Can and Can’t Say

When it comes to testimonials, the words themselves aren’t the only thing that matters. Similar to what we mentioned above, it’s how those words represent your work—and whether they suggest something you’re not legally or ethically allowed to claim.

As an energy healer or holistic practitioner, you don’t diagnose, treat, prevent, heal, or cure medical conditions.

These are words reserved solely for licensed medical professionals; and even then, they are used sparingly and with caution. So if a testimonial implies that you do—even indirectly—it can put you at risk, even if that wasn’t your intention.

Let’s break this down:

Safe testimonial language tends to focus on:

• How the client felt
• Their emotional or energetic experience
• The overall atmosphere or connection during the session

Risky testimonial language tends to include:

• References to diagnosing or curing anything
• Mentions of specific medical conditions (e.g. “she fixed my migraines”)
• Claims of guaranteed results

The key is to make sure the testimonial reflects a personal experience—not a promise, treatment, or outcome. You want prospective clients to understand how your work feels, not what it supposedly fixes.

Not sure where the line is? Check out our guide on What You Can and Can’t Say in Your Marketing as an Energy Practitioner.

Many well-meaning testimonials cross that line without meaning to. Phrases like “healed my back pain,” or “treated my sleep disorder” may come directly from the client, but if the client posts them, they become your marketing message.

Here’s how to stay safe and stay in scope:

• Focus on the client’s experience, not the result.
  Safe: “I felt lighter and more grounded after my session.”
  Risky: “She fixed my insomnia.”
• Avoid clinical or diagnostic language, even if the client uses it.
  Safe: “I came in feeling stressed and left feeling calm.”
  Risky: “This helped me recover from PTSD.”
• Don’t suggest outcomes that sound like guarantees.
  Safe: “Each session offers something different, and I always walk away with a new insight.” Risky: “After one visit, my chronic pain was gone.”

Rather than censoring clients, this process is about framing their feedback in a way that reflects your work honestly and professionally, while reducing your risk.

Consent Is Non-Negotiable

You need clear, written consent before sharing anything publicly. It is important to protect your client’s privacy and your professional integrity.

Fortunately consent doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple paragraph like this may be helpful to keep on hand:

“I give permission for [Your Name] to share my testimonial in promotional materials, on their website, and/or on social media for [Your Business Name]. I understand that my words may be edited for clarity, but the meaning will not be changed.”

Here at EMPA, we actually offer lots of editable templates, sample forms, and other easy-to-use resources to help support you in your place of work!

Now, if you’re ready to take testimonial writing a step further— Let’s talk about how to coach your clients into writing the kind of testimonial that’s both meaningful and safe to share.

After a session, instead of asking, “Would you write me a review?” try guiding the conversation with a few thoughtful prompts:

✅ Testimonial Prompt Checklist

• What did you notice or feel during the session?
• What surprised you about the experience?
• How did you feel after the session—physically, emotionally, energetically?
• What was your favorite part of working together?
• Would you recommend this to someone else? If so, why?
• Is there anything you’d say to someone who’s never experienced this kind of work?

Giving clients a little structure helps them reflect honestly and keeps their feedback within safe boundaries.

Want more ideas? Read this guide on how to ask for better testimonials without overstepping ethical lines.

Can You Get in Trouble for a Client’s Review?

Yes—you can.

Even if a client posts something independently, you may still be held accountable if the content violates advertising or scope-of-practice guidelines. This is especially true in regulated areas or if the review implies outcomes you legally can’t promise.

And if you choose to share or repost that review? You’re actively adopting it as part of your marketing. That makes you fully responsible for the message, including any claims it may contain.

This is why it’s so important to:

• Monitor what’s said about your work online
• Avoid reposting without consent and review
• Keep your messaging consistent across all channels

When in doubt, ask for permission and frame things in a way that reflects your scope, your ethics, and your professionalism.

Testimonial vs. Review—What’s the Difference?

Let’s quickly break it down:

Testimonials

• You request and share them
• You have control over the format and placement
• You need explicit client consent
• You’re responsible for what they say and how they’re used 

Reviews

• Clients post them publicly (on platforms like Google, Yelp, etc.)
• You don’t request or control them
• You can’t edit them
• You’re not automatically liable—but you shouldn’t re-use them without permission

Reviews Clients post them publicly (on platforms like Google, Yelp, etc.) You don’t request or control them You can’t edit them You’re not automatically liable—but you shouldn’t re-use them without permission

What’s Next: Confident Marketing That Reflects Your Values

You don’t need to be afraid of using testimonials—they are a wonderful and effective tool! However, you do need to be alert.

The real risk isn’t in sharing kind words. It’s in sharing them without consent, without context, or without the proper language. When you take the time to guide the process, protect your clients, and stay within your scope, testimonials become a powerful part of your business.

You’ve already taken the first step by learning what’s safe, smart, and ethical. You don’t have to figure the rest out alone.

Download EMPA’s free Buyer’s Guide to get clear on what liability insurance protects, how marketing fits into your risk profile, and what support is available to practitioners like you.

Your work is meaningful. Your voice is trusted. Let’s make sure your marketing reflects that—safely!

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.