Should a Reiki session be silent or should I speak instead? Well, from both a physician and client point of view, this can be a matter of personal choice. There are advantages and disadvantages to each version. Read on and see how you feel about the different possibilities.
Of course, some practitioners prefer total silence, with the exception perhaps of soothing music in the background, which may or may not ask you if you wish. If you are not given the option to choose music, it may be because your clinic or therapy room would be too noisy with some background noise or other. However, if you also prefer total silence and for you, that also includes music, you can ask for the music to be turned off, and that should be fine with the practitioner.
The silent Reiki practitioner can enter a deep meditative state from which they do not wish to be disturbed, and that may be the best way that this practitioner can allow Reiki to be channeled through them. Other reasons why the practitioner prefers silence is the mistaken belief that silence is very important. Or it could be that the practitioner is simply a beautician who does Reiki as an extra service for nails and waxing and is not interested in deep spiritual healing. Of course, the same can be said of a Reiki practitioner who talks outside the realm of healing throughout the session. Some practitioners get bored of holding hands with their heirs in various positions and feel the need to talk about things that have nothing to do with it. In this way, they are probably better distracted by the talk to allow the Reiki to flow through them. This may or may not be detrimental to the customer. And lastly, there is the talented or experienced Reiki practitioner who remains silent unless spoken to, and until he encounters an energy disruption in which he feels that you can benefit from being more proactive. This can greatly speed up the healing process in a gentle way. It is actually so powerful that it is now being borrowed from other methods, who are developing practical or spiritual healing methods that involve their usual energy-based speech methods. They are even claiming the discovery of such a healing modality, and it is no different than an interactive Reiki session. In my opinion, that clearly illustrates the advantage of some conversations in empowering the client and helping them to break free and relax better.
A silent Reiki session is exactly that. The Reiki practitioner only talks to you if, for example, you need to turn around. A good speaking Reiki session would be silent until the practitioner senses an energy disruption in their energy field somewhere and then encourages them to talk about what may be causing it. The mixture of healing energy with talking about what is bothering you is very powerful in releasing your emotional, spiritual or physical pain.
For example, I was silently channeling healing to a client who had had a miscarriage. His heart chakra felt a very different and uneven energy to the rest of his body. When I pointed this out to her gently, she began to speak freely about her pain for the first time. Then I kept my hands on her until she reached a point of calm. I ended the session in silence while she was sound asleep. Upon awakening, he reported that something felt different in a very positive way. This session released a heavy burden for her. She reported that she had felt much better since then.
Any experienced Reiki practitioner will ask you if you prefer the silent or speaking type of session. They would do what you prefer.
If you are looking for Reiki sessions with a practitioner, you are now better informed about the possibilities available to you. And so you can ask the professionals you contact if they are willing to make the version you prefer. You can then decide which doctor is best suited to your needs in this regard.