Pam Allen-LeBlanc is an accomplished Reiki teacher, published author, and skilled animal communicator and trainer. She began teaching Reiki in 2011 after attending William Rand’s Reiki Master class in Glastonbury, England. Then in 2019, Pam achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first Canadian ICRT Licensed Reiki Master Teacher (LRMT). 

Carrying multiple certifications, including Usui/Holy Fire ® III, Holy Fire® III Karuna Reiki®, and Animal Reiki Master Teacher, Pam conducts classes from her farm in Canada and extends her teachings across borders to Eastern United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Even beyond her teachings, Pam hosts the Reiki from the Farm podcast, where she shares her unique insights and facilitates fascinating conversations with other experts in her field. 

Teaching was never on her radar…

Even though Pam adores her teaching career these days, it wasn’t always the easiest path. When we asked her to tell us a bit about her journey, Pam shared that she actually had no intention of teaching at first. But that quickly changed as she began to witness the incredible healing taking place in herself and those she worked with. “At the time, I was burnt out from my previous life working as a high-powered, workaholic businesswoman. And as Reiki helped me heal the burnout, I realized I really wanted to work with people. I almost felt a responsibility to teach because my Reiki practice had changed my life and the lives of my animals so much, I didn’t know how I could go without sharing it.”

 

“It’s Not About You.”

Somewhere along the way, Pam realized what it truly means to teach. It’s not just about helping others learn – and it’s certainly not about knowing it all. 

“The most important thing to remember is this: It’s not about you,” she shared. “It’s about the connection of the energy with the student. As a teacher, you are just a facilitator. It’s important to get out of the way and just allow the Reiki energy to do what it needs to do.”

 

Using a Curriculum to Teach Reiki

Teachers must learn to get out of the way and let Reiki do its thing – but they must also learn how to give structure to their classes. Part of that is finding the right curriculum. Pam uses the ICRT’s curriculums because they are so complete and well-organized. 

Following a pre-planned lesson can help you relax and enjoy the energy of the class, but don’t be afraid to add your own touch! The ICRT encourages you to teach with your own style. There may be some additional topics that you want to cover. For example, Pam used to talk about Animal Reiki before she formally began teaching it.

 

Engaging with Your Students

Another essential piece of leading a classroom is knowing how to engage with your students. Pam shared some of her favorite techniques for the beginning of each class: “I like to invite everyone to share a little bit about themselves. That way, people start to notice the things they have in common. I also use the Distant symbol to send Reiki to the group before the class to attract the right mix of people.”

During class, Pam likes to give her students more time to share their reflections. The bonds her students create during her classes lead to a deeper learning experience, and as everyone feels more relaxed and connected, they’re more open to sharing. 

Of course, more connections can lead to more complexity. “Sometimes you have people who talk more than others, and that’s ok,” Pam shared. “But if it really gets out of balance, I manage the class by limiting some of the sharing and asking some who are not sharing if there was anything they did want to share – without putting any pressure on them. Often, they just need to be invited.”

 

Reframing Challenges as Learning Opportunities

As with any path in life, teaching Reiki comes with a unique set of challenges. The important thing to remember is that challenges don’t mean you’re going in the wrong direction or that you’re failing as a teacher. It is simply an opportunity to grow and evolve.

One aspect of teaching that might feel challenging, especially for new teachers, is simply believing in your teaching abilities. Pam shared her experience with this and what helped her through it. “The biggest thing for me was a lack of confidence in myself, that I could do it. And that’s when Reiki showed me that it wasn’t about me – It was about the energy or the student. I just needed to get out of the way and allow the interaction to happen. Watching people connect with the energy in class and the positive feedback I got from my students helped me to build my confidence.”

Another challenge Pam faced was a bit more on the administrative side of things: scheduling. Here, Pam highlighted how important it was for her to prioritize her own schedule rather than trying to cater to everyone else’s. “I used to try to work around peoples’ schedules. Instead, I realized that it was important to follow my own schedule – And that maybe the students and clients who didn‘t fit into my schedule just weren’t meant to work with me.

 

Taking Your Teaching to the Next Level

No matter how long someone has been teaching, there is always room for more growth. Pam shared a few of the ways she ensures that she keeps expanding and deepening her knowledge:

• • Reviewing classes

• • Consuming Reiki resources – like the Reiki News Magazine, blogs, and podcasts

• • Providing reiki sessions for others

• • Receiving Reiki treatments twice a month

• • Regular self-practice

 

Don’t Wait Until You’re “Ready” to Start Teaching

Deciding to take the plunge into teaching is a pivotal moment for any Reiki practitioner. It can be an incredibly exciting time, but it might also require a huge step out of your comfort zone. And we all know how scary that can be! 

Pam suggested to start with people you know well, noting that close friends and family may not appreciate your skills as much as your future clients, but not to let that discourage you. “Start small. Make it comfortable. And remember that it’s about the energy connecting with the student: You are just a facilitator or conduit. So, no pressure.” 

It’s natural to hesitate before stepping out of your comfort zone and into the unknown. But to discover your true potential, you must first push through your fear to unlock opportunities you never knew existed. 

True growth is often found in the discomfort of unfamiliar territory. So, don’t wait for the perfect moment – because this moment is perfect, even if you can’t see that yet. Embrace the unknown with an open heart and watch as you transform into the person you were always meant to be. 

Final words of wisdom from Pam: “Teach before you’re ready to teach. If you wait until you’re totally ready, you never will be.”  

 

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