About the Sessions

Reiki is a gentle Japanese energy-healing technique developed in the early 1900s by Dr Mikao Usui. It works with the body’s natural capacity to relax, rebalance and restore itself. During a session, Janie places her hands lightly on or just above the body, acting as a channel for this calming energy. Many people describe it as one of the most deeply relaxing experiences they’ve ever had.

Havening Techniques® is a psychosensory therapy developed by Dr Ronald Ruden, combining gentle touch with guided attention to help the brain process and release distressing memories, anxiety and unhelpful emotional patterns. It’s a modern, neuroscience-informed approach that often brings about significant change in a short space of time. Janie Whittemore is a certified Havening Practitioner.

Janie’s approach integrates mind, body and spirit rather than treating them as separate systems. Conventional talk therapy focuses primarily on the mind — Reiki and Havening also work with the nervous system and the body, which is why many clients find they shift things that years of talking alone hadn’t quite reached. It isn’t a replacement for therapy, and the two can work beautifully alongside each other.

Yes, our clients with severe anxiety have experienced profound transformations.

You don’t need to talk more than you want to. Janie’s sessions are non-judgmental and led by what feels right for you — some clients arrive expecting to open up and find they want to, others prefer to say very little and simply receive. Just let Janie know, and she’ll adapt the session accordingly.

Not every approach suits every person, and not everyone is open to change at a subconscious level straight away. Janie will always adapt her methods, pace and technique to find what works for you — and if, after honest attempts, it’s clear you’d be better served by something else, she’ll say so openly and, where possible, refer you on to someone in her network.

This is something Janie will discuss with you, but ultimately it’s your decision. Many clients find they benefit most from a series of sessions, each one building on the last — which is why Janie offers a three-day healing programme, with sessions on three consecutive days, which can be particularly powerful. A typical starting pattern is once a week for six weeks, followed by regular top-ups to maintain optimal wellbeing.

Reiki:  50-minute appointments include consultation time.
Havening appointment slots allow 2 hours, but may take anything from 30 minutes to the full 2 hours.
Havening video appointments are separated into hour blocks for comfort.

Havening is structured very differently from weekly talk therapy. Janie works with clients on one specific issue at a time, and many people experience meaningful change in just a few sessions — sometimes in a single one. Because of this, the total investment in Havening often compares extremely favourably with longer-term weekly therapy.

Please see Janie’s booking page for current session rates, or contact her directly with any questions.

Payment is due before the session begins. You can pay using the booking system’s payment option (if available at time of booking), by bank transfer using the details Janie provides, or in cash on the day.

Because Janie reserves your appointment time specifically for you and can’t usually fill the space at short notice, full payment is due for appointments forgotten, cancelled or changed with less than 48 hours’ notice. Thank you for understanding.

Just wear something comfortable. Layers are a good idea in case you feel too warm or too cool during the session.

Janie Whittemore is based in Cheltenham, with easy access from Stroud, Gloucester, Bristol, Bath, the Cotswolds and surrounding areas. Visits are by appointment only — please get in touch for the house number and directions. Janie also works online internationally; both Reiki and Havening can be received effectively from the comfort of your own home.

Reiki and Havening are both gentle and suitable for most people, but fit matters. If you have specific concerns or conditions you’d like to discuss, or you simply want to find out whether the approach is right for you before committing to a full session, Janie offers a free chat slot that’s bookable in advance. A phone conversation is also available if you’d prefer. If Janie feels you’d be better served by a different therapist or approach, she’ll do her best to refer you to someone in her network who’s a better fit.