Behind The Business: Reiki with Catriona Whyte

Hi I am Catriona, a Reiki Master Teacher. I set up my business Reiki with Catriona Whyte in August 2016. I am based from home in Milngavie where I see clients. I also teach Reiki.

Reiki is a Japanese relaxation technique. It is a holistic therapy which can provide so many benefits. It is a gentle energy which aids relaxation and promotes balance to the body and mind.

What made you decide to start your own business?

I decided to start up my own business shortly after completing my level 1 Reiki in 2015.

I had left my nursing career in 2009 and knew when my daughter started school that I wanted to still work in a caring and healing role, Reiki gave me that opportunity. Through personal experience of the positive and powerful impact it had on me, I knew I wanted to share it and so I set up as a Reiki Practitioner. I also wanted a better work/life balance.

What advice would you give someone thinking of starting their own business?

I would say to have small and realistic goals. I knew it would take time to establish a regular client base. I think though if you are passionate about the service or product you are supplying then that can help keep you motivated. I initially received tremendous support from East Dunbartonshire Business Gateway, they provided some funding to help start up and there was also plenty of workshops to help build your business.

How did you adapt your business during lockdown?

After a period of not being able to have clients at home with lockdown I offered distance reiki via zoom. This was quite challenging for me, not the actual reiki itself but more the technology side. The feedback I received was encouraging and positive though and several clients commented that it was just as effective as it had been previously in person. I have continued to do distance reiki for several clients.

I began to see clients again at my home last August which I am incredibly grateful for.

What are you most excited about in your industry?

There is a growing awareness for the need for self-care and healing. More and more people, especially since lockdown are becoming more open to complimentary therapies. There is an increasing realisation that health and wellbeing is so important, and I have recently been invited to provide reiki sessions on a short-term basis to a small team of nurses based in a hospital setting as part of a wellbeing initiative.

There is also a growing trend in the healing properties of crystals. I have always loved them (who doesn’t) but during lockdown I began to learn more about them, and I am currently doing the second part of a crystal course which will enable me to offer crystal healing sessions soon, hopefully by the end of this year which is exciting.

What does a typical working day look like for you?

Every day is different, I don’t have clients every day, but when I do, there is some preparation involved prior to the client’s session, my reiki room and my home must be clean, tidy and a welcoming space.

Some weeks I may have 4 or 5 clients and then others only 1 or 2.

As mentioned, I have been doing sessions within a hospital setting and I also have monthly sessions for carers at carers link organisation, based in Milngavie.

How do you structure your work / life, how do you switch off from "work mode"?

There are many advantages to having clients at home, but the dream is to have a separate space for my healing sessions and teaching. I find it much easier to switch off than what I did previously in nursing, but my life is calmer and at a more relaxed pace now. We recently got a dog, so I enjoy walks with him, reading, I find doing jigsaws very mindful and I love quality time with friends and family.

 I read a lot of positive thinking, spiritual and motivating books as well as a good detective story.

Please share any memorable books or favourite social media accounts.

My most memorable and probably favourite book is The Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma. I don’t really read many blogs but on Instagram I enjoy David Hamilton’s posts very much. He is also an author and has many books on the power of kindness.

I have not had much time recently though to read as I am in the process of writing my own book. It is an autobiography describing my journey through life and the experiences and challenges I have faced including grief, loss, depression and anxiety amongst others and the tools and techniques which have helped me, including of course, Reiki.

What is your favourite cake?

My favourite cake is a carrot cake but lately my husband has been making a delicious date and walnut loaf which goes down a treat with lots of butter and a coffee.

Find Reiki with Catriona Whyte: 

 Reiki with Catriona Whyte | Facebook

 Reiki with Catriona Whyte/Instagram

I am active on Facebook and Instagram. I am always happy to chat with people over the phone or by email if they would like to know a bit more about Reiki prior to booking in for a session.