How did you become a Crystal Healing Practitioner? What is your background?

I have had a lifelong fascination with rocks and minerals, I was one of those sad children who spend their holiday money on little boxes of the 'local' minerals with all the little labels telling you what they were. I also used to try and bring home half the beach, or mountain. In my teens I made crystal jewellery with tumblestones. Then life and family got in the way for a while, until 1997. I had just decided it was time for a career change and returned to college to study reflexology part time. I was give a copy of 'The Crystal Wisdom Kit' as a present and was hooked, I contacted Stephanie Harrison the author who ran courses for Crystal Healing Practitioners, but did not actually begin the course until 2000 (life and family got in the way - again!)

I qualified in 2004 - this was more than just 'another therapy' to add to my growing list of qualifications; this course was life changing. Learning with Stephanie Harrision of ICCH (International College of Crystal Healing - www.crystaltherapy.co.uk) was a spiritual journey as well as a way of gaining my qualification.

Before retraining as an Holistic Practitioner and Teacher I spent almost 20 years in business management, running my husbands structural steel business for 8 years and then as the practice manager for a large veterinary practice.

What exactly does Crystal Healing involve?

Crystal Healing is a vibrational healing technique, the healer channels healing energy through the crystals, which act as a 'fine tuning' ensuring that exactly the right amount of energy is received by the client. During the healing session the client will be asked to either sit, or lie down and talked through some short relaxation. The healer will attune to the client and be guided (intuitively) to which crystals and healing techniques (patterns of placement) they need to use for that client at that time.

The crystals are then placed on or around the body, or sometimes held by the healer in the client's energy field. (Aura) The crystals will be in place for varying lengths of time; anything from a few seconds to 15 minutes, rarely they may need longer than this. When all the crystals have been removed the client is restored to awareness, the whole experience is generally very relaxing for the client.

Client's report varying physical, emotional and mental responses to the healing during the treatment, some experience tingling, heat or cold, mild pins and needles, and occasionally mild pain sensations. Many clients see colours, white light, rainbows, shimmering and luminescence. Some clients experience emotions, and these can occasionally be quite intense. Most clients feel a sense of deep peace and tranquility during the healing and this remains with them for some time after.

What sort of problems/issues do clients normally have when they come to you for help/therapy?

I prefer to take only a very brief client/medical history before giving healing, simply discovering if a new client has any conditions that may have health and safety issues, for example if they have epilepsy as the practitioner would need to be aware of this in case the client had an episode whilst on their premises. There are no 'contra indications' to crystal healing, although the healer would need to be aware of and take special precautions if a patient had metal pins or plates, or a pacemaker or stent fitted.

After the healing I discuss with the client what crystals I used and how, and what this reveals to me about any physical, mental or emotional issues they may have. Because Crystal Healing works effectively at many levels it may be addressing an underlying emotional/mental issue that is giving rise to a physical problem. The links between the two can often be made, and the cause addressed rather than the physical symptoms. My clients have a wide range of both physical, emotional and mental issues, so it is difficult to generalise, anything from Migraine to sports injuries on a physical level, Stress is the predominant mental issue, and bereavement, relationship breakdown, and inability to concieve on an emotional level.

What/Where was your training? How long did it take overall?

I trained with Stephanie Harrison at ICCH, for the first two levels at the Samye Dzong Buddhist centre in central London. Level one was 6 days spread over six months (3 weekends); with various exercises to practice in between (home study). Level two was 8 days spread over about 10 months; (4 weekends); during the practical sessions assessments were carried out, and feed back given on the trainee's technique, choice and use of crystals, etc. and again with assignments, case studies, practice sessions, research, crystallography and self-development as home study in between as well as a final assignment.

Level three I studied in Canterbury, 15 days of instruction, assessment and practice. This was in 3 blocks of 5 week days spread over 9 months and was residential for most participants. This included a formal 'presentation'on crystal healing as well as many advanced crystal healing techniques; some intense self-development work, and in depth crystallography ( a sort of combination of geology and gemmnology - taught us all about the crystals, where they originate from, and their unique properties); again there was home study, case studies, assignments and after the final weeks tuition, a thesis on an aspect of crystal healing, a further six months was given for completion of the final three advanced case studies and the thesis. Overall because of gaps between courses it took me 4 years to complete. During the home study periods I was probably devoting about 10 hours a week (on average, less at level one but probably more at level three)

How did training fit round your children?

 

When I began my training my younger daughter was studying for her A levels and my elder daughter was in her final year at university but was living at home and travelling to Surrey; we also had her horse to care for and I was working full time at the Vets. Fitting in time to study and go on the training weekends was very difficult, luckily my family were all very supportive and my boss very understanding when I fell asleep at my desk! I didn't have the practical problems associated with fitting study around younger children, but recall this from 10 years earlier when I began studying with the OU! Studying whilst working and caring for a family (whatever age the children are) is a constant juggling act.

Roughly, how much did your training cost?

I think (from memory) the overall cost of the three levels was approximately £2,000 plus travelling, accomodation, books, crystals etc.

Where do you carry out your work?

I work mostly from home, although I will do home visits for the elderly or housebound. I have a dedicated healing room in my house, with everything I need readily to hand. If working away from home I have a 'Crystal travel kit' of essential crystal tools plus a huge range of small tumblestones as these can be just as effective for healing as the large and impressive stones.

Do you need lots of specialist equipment?

As explained above healing can be just as effective with the small inexpensive tumble stones as with the costly but impressive larger pieces. I find a basic kit for travelling, of a pendulum (clear quartz); an Amethyst cluster, a wand (Rose Quartz) and an assortment of tumble stones provides the 'essentials'; these could be acquired for as little as £20 total. That said I have a large chest of small drawers absolutely stacked with crystals, in all shapes, sizes and colours, which is my healing kit at home, the cost of which runs to thousands of pounds. The only other essential equipment is a cushion and rug to make your client comfortable, although I have a treatment couch at home and this is very useful, it is possible to give the healing with the client seated or lying on the floor.

How many hours do you work a week?

I try not to work more than 25 hours a week, this is not just seeing clients for Crystal healing, but teaching, spiritual coaching, planning and running workshops (on crystal healing as well as spiritual development, aromatherapy, meditation and various other healing techniques I practice).

How does the job fit round your family life?

My elder daughter has now left home and the younger has returned home from university to work locally. All my family are very understanding and supportive, sometimes they need to be if I am closeted with a client who needs more time than usual, and if I am not on my perch in the kitchen at dinner time, they just get on with it. (I have trained them well!) They are also always very willing to be 'practised' on whenever I am learning a new healing technique (most recently I have been studying SHEFA Healing, and will be one of the first teachers of this in the country).

How do you find clients - do you advertise?

I do advertise in Yellow Pages and occasionally in other specialist local and national publications. I also organise and attend 'taster' events, where people can experience a 'mini' session of various complementary healing techniques.

What is the earning potential?

I aim to earn £20 per hour (before expenses, tax etc; self-employed); so I charge £25 for Crystal Healing which is usually 1 - 1.5 hours in duration (the actual healing may only take 20 - 30 minutes, but it is necessary to ensure the client is restored to awareness before allowing them to leave and drive etc! Plus the preparation and explanation is time consuming). My annual earnings vary from year to year, but from crystal healing, and the crystals workshops I probably gross around £2,000 - so not a lot, don't give up your day job! I am not sure I would be able to make a living from being a Complementary Practitioner; although this year I will probably have earned enough to pay tax!

Is the job rewarding?

I feel absolutely honoured to be able to do the work I do. There is no greater job satisfaction than being able to empower people to heal themselves, to see them take back control of their lives and return to wholeness.

Do you think it is a job that fits in well with being a Mum?

Some aspects of the work can fit well around the demands of family life, but there are times when a client needs your attention when it isn't convenient, you have to learn early on to negotiate with a client an appropriate time to talk, see them, and you have to ensure your family are aware that there are times when you cannot be disturbed (unless there is some major crisis).

Do you think you have to have any special qualities (in terms of personality) to become an Crystal Healing practitioner?

The only absolute pre-requisite is an open and enquiring mind. It also helps if you like people.

Any advice for a Mum or Dad wanting to start training?

Go for it, trust absolutely that if it is the right thing for you to do, a way and means will be found for you to do it, the only thing which can get in the way is you!

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Useful Links

www.crystal-healing.org

www.crystals.eu.com

www.mandragoracourses.co.ukwww.crystaltherapy.co.uk