Is Energy Healing Real? When a Client Doesn’t Believe in Energy Healing

What do you say when someone questions whether energy healing is real?

How do you respond when a potential client—or even a friend—looks at you like your work is questionable?

It can feel uncomfortable, even personal. You want to protect your integrity, your training, and your profession. But reacting defensively rarely helps, and trying to "prove" yourself can leave you feeling drained or misunderstood.

What you can do is learn how to talk about your work with clarity and stay up-to-date with research and information that supports your field. This means you’ll be ready for the moments that catch you off guard.

In this article, you’ll learn how to understand where doubt comes from, how to talk about your practice safely (without over-explaining), and how to build a toolkit that helps you navigate these moments with grace.

Why Might a Potential Client be Skeptical?

It’s one thing to believe deeply in your work—and another to have that belief questioned, especially by someone who may not fully grasp what you do. Whether it’s a curious stranger, a cautious potential client, or even a friend, these moments can stir up emotion.

It can feel like they’re questioning your credibility, your intelligence, or your purpose.

That response is human; energy healing is personal.

Skepticism is normal. It usually comes from a place of not knowing, rather than malice. When introduced to something new, we tend to approach it with caution at first. A client presenting a doubtful attitude is typically new to our world; they’re looking to us to help them choose whether or not they’d like to take that next step – from discovery into experience.

Indeed, many people have been conditioned to trust only what they can measure or explain—and energy work doesn’t always fit into that framework!

Instead of feeling like you need to defend yourself, it can help to shift your mindset from I need to prove something to I’m okay being misunderstood. You’re here to practice with integrity and support those who are open and aligned with the kind of care you offer.

Here is a reframe you may consider: often the question isn’t ‘is energy healing real?’ It’s ‘what is energy healing?’

Suddenly, this underlying question becomes much easier to approach!

When you hear skepticism, pause and ask yourself—are they truly closed off? Or just unfamiliar? (Hint: the fact that they reached out to you may be a sign that they’re more open than you think!)

This small shift in perspective helps you respond from a place of calm and keeps the door open for curiosity rather than confrontation.

What to Say When Someone Asks, “Is This Even Real?”

As practitioners passionate about our work, of course we believe in what we do. We’ve seen clients transform in ways that are hard to explain, and many of us have had personal experiences that made energy healing feel deeply real—sometimes long before we fully understood how it works!

Here are a few ideas that may help you when someone expresses doubt or curiosity:

• I completely understand—it’s not something everyone is familiar with. Most of my clients come to me looking for more balance, peace, or ease. (Tell them more about your work, now shifting the focus to that underlying question: what is energy healing?)
• This work has felt meaningful and supportive for people in ways that surprised even them. While it’s not a replacement for medical care, for many, it’s become an important part of their wellness journey. Would you like to share more about how you’re feeling to see if we may be a good fit to work together?
• I work best with people who are open to new ways to support their wellbeing. Do you have specific questions for me that I can try to help with?
• Have you ever walked into a room full of people and quickly picked up on a “good” or “bad” energy in the space? This helps connect to the idea that energy is real. If you are open to it, would you like to try a session and see if it feels right for you?

If someone seems open but unsure, you can offer additional support—not to convince them, but to educate with integrity. That might look like:

• Recommending a trusted article, book, or introductory resource
• Offering a low-pressure introductory session, if it feels appropriate
• Pointing them toward scientific studies or practitioner networks that show the breadth of the field

You can also share that you’re part of a professional community that values ongoing education and ethical care for practitioners and clients alike. Mentioning your involvement with a professional association like EMPA shows that you take your work seriously—and that you’re not alone in doing so.

Another easy—and enjoyable—way to stay informed is through Energy Magazine, a digital publication written by energy healers, for energy healers. It covers real-world topics that aren’t always easy to find online, like research, community Q&A, business development, laws & regulations, and skill building, too!

(Psst: As an EMPA member, you automatically receive a free subscription to an abridged version of Energy Magazine!)

💡Here is something else we can keep in mind: they don’t have to believe. Many clients approach you because they feel or believe something to begin with! Allow them experience and let them judge for themselves over time.

For experienced energy healers, they may find that an open minded client is enough to allow themselves to enjoy a session that promotes the peace of their mind, soul and body so the body may heal itself.

Building Your Confidence Toolkit

Responding to a dubious client starts with how prepared you feel before that ever happens. When you have the right tools in place, you're less likely to feel caught off guard, and more likely to lead with knowledge instead of pressure.

Your toolkit might include:

• A few grounded ways to describe what you do
• Clear language that avoids clinical or medical terms
• A strong understanding of your scope of practice
• Confidence in what you offer, and who it's for
• Trusted resources you can share with those who are curious

Professional support also plays a big role. Being part of an association like EMPA gives you access to educational materials, community conversations, and ongoing guidance around the safe and ethical language you need to protect your work.

💡Read “Can Energy Healers Promise Results? What You Can (and Can’t) Say.” Learn how to communicate ethically and clearly with clients, while staying true to your work and within your scope of practice.

This kind of preparation helps you move from reactive to ready—so when someone asks, “Is energy healing even real?” you’re not scrambling for the right words. You already have them!

What’s Next: Open Communication with Clients

Being asked whether your work is “real” can stop you in your tracks—especially when you’ve seen the impact energy healing can have.

Still, skepticism doesn’t have to shake you. In fact, it can be a moment to practice clarity, not defense. By shifting the goal from convincing to expressing, you keep your energy—and your professionalism—intact.

Start small: practice how you describe your work. Stay current with reliable resources that help you navigate the industry using insights, wisdom, and science from experts in the field.

Surround yourself with a like-minded community and professional support so you don’t feel like you’re doing this alone!

You don’t have to change anyone’s mind. Remember, sometimes it’s not about “believing,” but an openness to the experience.

You just need to be ready to show up, steady and confident in the work you already know is real.

💡Serious about protecting your practice so you can safely share with more clients? Download our free guide, “The 3 Biggest Mistakes Energy Healers and Holistic Practitioners Make.” This short, practical resource helps you avoid the most common missteps in language, marketing, and professionalism that can unintentionally put your practice at risk.

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.