Ten questions that protect your comfort and choice
Training and rules vary across practices. Ask direct questions, compare the answers and never let urgency or fear replace informed consent.
1. What service are you offering?
Ask the practitioner to name the practice and explain what a typical appointment includes. Terms such as energy work, spiritual guidance and cleansing can mean different things to different people. You should understand the setting, sequence, approximate duration and purpose before agreeing.
2. What is your training and scope?
Ask how the practitioner learned the work, how long they have practiced and whether any stated license or certification can be verified. Credentials vary widely by discipline and location. A spiritual practitioner should describe spiritual services accurately and should not present them as licensed medical or mental-health care unless they separately hold that qualification.
3. What claims do you make?
Look for realistic language about reflection, relaxation, culture or spiritual practice. Be cautious of guaranteed cures, miracle results, secret diagnoses or claims that a service can replace medication, therapy or medical care. The Federal Trade Commission advises consumers to be skeptical of miracle health guarantees.
4. How does consent work?
Ask whether touch is used, where, and whether a hands-off option is available. For limpias, ask which materials may contact the body. Consent should continue throughout the visit: you may ask questions, decline an element, pause or stop without pressure.
5. Are smoke, herbs or fragrances used?
Describe allergies, asthma, migraines, pregnancy, mobility needs or fragrance sensitivity before the session. Ask whether smoke-free or fragrance-free alternatives are possible. Do not ingest or apply an unfamiliar product without knowing what it is and how it is intended to be used.
6. What will the appointment cost?
Request the full price, accepted payment methods, expected duration, cancellation policy and whether follow-up visits or products are optional. Transparent pricing lets you decide without pressure. A practitioner should not use fear to push repeated sessions or urgent purchases.
7. What privacy can I expect?
Ask where the session takes place, who may be present, how personal information is handled and whether photos or testimonials are ever requested. Share only what feels relevant and comfortable. Permission for a service is not permission to publish your story or image.
8. Will you respect my other care?
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health recommends telling all health-care providers about complementary approaches so care can be coordinated safely. A responsible practitioner does not tell you to stop prescribed treatment or avoid licensed help.
9. What are the red flags?
Pause if someone uses fear, claims only they can remove a danger, guarantees a cure, pressures you to pay immediately, refuses basic questions, crosses stated boundaries or discourages outside medical or mental-health care. You can leave, seek a second opinion or choose no session at all.
10. What should I ask myself?
Do I understand what will happen? Do I feel free to say no? Are the claims realistic? Is the price clear? Does the practitioner answer respectfully in a language I understand? A good fit should leave you informed—not frightened, confused or trapped.
Questions are welcome at Madre Tierra
Madre Tierra offers appointment-based Reiki, limpias and spiritual guidance in English or Spanish. Before booking, call to ask about the current approach, duration, price, touch, materials, sensitivities and any other boundary that matters to you. Spiritual services support reflection and relaxation and do not replace licensed care.