Nathan James
Member, Australia
I am a registered counsellor and teacher, priest, religious brother, and Reiki Master. I was initiated into Usui Shiki Ryoho first degree on November 24, 1992, second degree on May 11, 1993, and as a Reiki Master on December 10, 2023 – all by Elizabeth Latham.
I consider myself a Reiki prodigal son. I became deeply involved in the Reiki community and had the fortune of attending a gathering with Phyllis when she visited Australia, as well as a Master candidate’s intensive with her and Paul. Soon after completing my honours thesis in nursing, titled "The Mystery and Meaning of Reiki," I embarked on a long journey of deconstructing and reconstructing my faith. This journey led me to a period where I kept my passion for Reiki hidden, feeling conflicted about it and my growing faith. This inner conflict intensified as I entered seminary and took my vows as a brother, limiting my practice of Reiki to myself and a few trusted friends.
The balance between teaching, treating my clients, and my extensive volunteer work is healthy for me. This path has brought me many benefits including being available and very involved in my father, mother, and stepmother’s illnesses and eventual transitions. For me, it is both a privilege and an honour to be involved in another human’s end-of-life process.
After leaving a toxic work environment in 2020, I began an intense healing journey with Reiki by my side. Through this experience, I connected with my life mission: to create sacred space to facilitate healing and transformation by nurturing the spirit with compassion, acceptance, and unconditional love. Reconnecting with Elizabeth and sharing her book, "The Samurai Reiki Master," helped me reconcile my faith with my passion for Reiki. Thus began my journey back Home and accepting my vocation as a Master Teacher.
A mystical dream affirmed my calling to guide others into connection with Reiki, sparking a spiritual renewal or awakening within them. I am particularly passionate about integrating Reiki into the counselling and psychotherapy space. I currently work as a School Chaplain and Counsellor and am in the process of establishing a private practice providing counselling, spiritual companioning, and Reiki.
