FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Q: Can healing take the place of conventional treatment prescribed by doctors or vets?
A: No, definitely not! Healing complements prescribed medication and often speeds up the healing process after physical trauma or surgery. It shouldn't be seen as an alternative. If your animal is ill, you should take it to the vet immediately. When animals are being treated by the vet, I like to liaise with the vet as well as provide support to you, the carer, especially if your pet is suffering from chronic, long-term conditions.
2. Q: Can healing have any harmful side effects?
A: No! It is completely safe and the recipient uses the energy he/she needs on the level it is needed. For example, a dog may have gastrointestinal problems due to grieving for its recently deceased owner or companion animal. In this case, the healing energy will address the emotions first and then the related physical symptoms will clear up. Every case is unique and the healing energy is pulled to where it is needed most.
3. Q: Is it true that healing can have a detox affect?
A: Yes, healing does encourage detoxification as the energy field is cleared of stagnant energy or blockages. The detox symptoms may be on the physical and/or emotional level, involving things such as increased urination and sweating. However, if this phase occurs, it is temporary and will lead to greater feelings of health and well-being. The more healing you receive, the faster the detox process.
4. Q: How long does a healing session last? A: The first time I meet you and your pet, we will need to spend about 20 minutes going through the consultation form. The healing session itself lasts for approximately 45 minutes for humans but varies with animals as they willl show me when they have had enough. I respect their wishes - healing energy should never be forced onto an animal. The final feedback session lasts for 10 to 15 minutes. It's best to allow 90 minutes for the first session. Further healing treatments will last for a maximum of 60 minutes as the consultation stage isn't repeated.
5. Q: Do I have to bring my pet to you for healing?
A: No. In fact I prefer to come to your house as animals are more relaxed in a familiar environment. It is important for you to choose a quiet time at home (preferably when the children are at school!) when we won't be interrupted. I find the best time for animals to receive healing is after they've been exercised (in the case of dogs) and when they're not hungry! We can discuss a suitable time when you contact me to make an appointment.
6. Q: Do I need to stay with you when you give healing to my pet?
A: Yes, you do. Your presence will be reassuring for your animal. If a dog has behavioural problems, I may ask you to use a lead and/or soft muzzle during the session. Distant healing may be more suitable for aggressive animals. Small animals, such as rats, guinea pigs, rabbits or birds, may be held by their owner or left in the cage depending on the individual case.
7. Q: Do you need to touch me or my animal?
A: Very little touching is involved. I lay my hands on the shoulders at the beginning and ending of the session, and I may occasionally stroke the animal to reassure it if appropriate. For most of the session, I hold my hands close to the body while the healing energy is channelled through me and out of my palms into the energy field of you or your animal. Animals sometimes prefer to sit or lie at a distance - in this case, I continue to channel by directing my palms towards them. They still receive the energy. For human healing, you can choose to sit in a chair or lie on a treatment table. You are always fully-clothed. You may opt for a hands-on Reiki treatment (with palms laid gently on the body) if you prefer. It is a personal choice.
8. Q: I've heard about distant or absent healing. What is it? A: Healing energy can be received regardless of the distance between the healer and the animal or person. It sounds like science-fiction but it works whether I'm in the same room, outside an animal's cage or hundreds of miles away!
9. Q: Does my animal have to be ill to benefit from healing?
A: Absolutely not - nor do you! Healing is a great way to de-stress; researchers have proved the link between stress and a range of physical and psychological problems. Animals are very sensitive to energy. They are like sponges absorbing the emotions of those around them, especially their owners'. Regular healing will help you and your pet relax and get back into balance. Isn't it better to prevent conditions from developing rather than wait until symptoms appear?!
10. Q: Is the healing you offer associated with a particular religion?
A: No! Healers come from a range of different cultures. Some, like myself, have spiritual beliefs but do not follow a specific religion. The one thing we have in common is that we channel healing energy. You don't have to 'believe' in anything but it is helpful to have an open mind! Animals tend to respond faster to healing energy as they aren't hampered by rational thought.
