Found in Sound FAQs​
Got questions? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re curious about Sound Healing, Reiki, or what to expect from a session, this FAQ is designed to guide your journey with clarity, warmth, and honesty. Here, you’ll find guidance on the principles behind sound and energy work, preparation, ethics, session experiences, safety, combining modalities, and more.
Questions covered in this FAQ:
​1. What Is Sound Therapy?
2. How Does Sound Therapy Work?
3. What Is A Sound Bath & Do You Offer Sound Baths Across the UK?
4. What Is Reiki?
5. How Does Reiki Work?
6. Are You Qualified & Insured Practitioners?
7. How Do You Use Reiki In Group Sessions?
8. Can I Combine Sound Healing or Reiki With Other Healing Modalities? 9.
9. Is Sound Therapy, Reiki and Sound Massage Suitable For Everyone?
10. Who Might Benefit From Sound Therapy & Reiki?
11. Why Do I Need To Consult a Doctor?
12. Is Sound Healing Safe During Pregnancy?
13. Does Sound Therapy/ Reiki Cure Illness?
14. Can Sound Therapy Support Emotional Release?
15. What If I Don't Feel Anything During A Session?
16. How Many Sessions Will I Need?
17. How Can I Prepare? What Do I Do After?
18. Why Is Intention Important?
19. Can Sound Act As A "Mirror" Into Our Internal World & Emotional State?
20. Can I Get A Refund If I Can't Make The Session?
21. How Do I Make A Complaint?
22. Where Do I Get A GP Consent Form?
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1. What is Sound Therapy?
Sound healing uses frequency, rhythm, and vibration to support the body’s natural ability to return to balance. The tones and harmonics encourage the nervous system to downregulate, shift brainwaves into meditative states, and help recalibrate the body’s energy field.
While modern in presentation, sound healing is rooted in ancient traditions — from Tibetan and Aboriginal practices to Egyptian and Greek philosophies that recognised sound as a fundamental force of creation and harmony.
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Each cell, organ, and emotion has its own natural frequency. When we experience stress, trauma, or imbalance, these frequencies can fall out of tune. Through resonance and entrainment, sound helps guide the body back into coherence — a state of alignment where the body’s innate healing intelligence can reawaken.
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Research continues to explore how sound can support emotional regulation, pain reduction, and neuroplasticity, with growing evidence of its impact on brainwave activity and the vagus nerve.
As acoustic-physics scientist and cymatics pioneer John Stuart Reid explains, “In sound healing, the goal isn’t to directly heal the body, but to cultivate conditions within which your body can heal itself.”
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At Found in Sound, that’s our philosophy too. We don’t heal you — we hold space for harmony to return, so you can hear yourself again.
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2. How Does Sound Therapy Work? ​
Research shows sound can help synchronise brainwaves, heart rate, and breath through a process known as entrainment, supporting relaxation and nervous system regulation. It helps the body move from resistance to resonance — a state where flow and coherence are restored. Vibrations from instruments like bowls, gongs, or chimes gently stimulate the vagus nerve, activating the body’s “rest and digest” state where stress lowers and repair is supported. Sound waves move through the body, loosening tension like a sonic massage, and supporting balance in the biofield, body, and mind. ​Research shows this isn’t just subjective — one study found that a single Tibetan singing bowl session reduced stress, tension, and even reported pain (Goldsby et al., 2017).
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Curious to find out more? Read our full blog: How Does Sound Healing Work?
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3. What Is A Sound Bath & Do You Offer Sound Baths Across the UK?
A sound bath is a deeply immersive experience where layers of vibration and frequency help calm the mind, relax the body, and rebalance the nervous system. Instruments such as crystal bowls, gongs, and chimes create harmonics that guide you into restorative states of rest and coherence. These vibrations support the body’s natural ability to self-heal and return to balance.
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Our Sound Baths are available in Bristol, Sevenoaks, and Greenwich only at the moment, but you can book an online sound bath if you'd like to experience the sounds from the comfort of your own home.
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4. What is Reiki?
Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive practice based on the principle that everything is energy, vibrating at different frequencies. Sessions typically involve a light, hands-on or near-body touch, though it is always comfortable and never forced. Reiki facilitates balance and renewal without manipulation and the body receives what it is ready for.
5. How Does Reiki Work? ​​
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Universal life force energy – Reiki is based on the principle that a subtle, universal energy flows through all living things. Practitioners act as a channel for this energy to support balance and wellbeing.
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Gentle energy flow – Sessions use light touch or hands held just above the body to encourage relaxation and release.
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Emotional support – Reiki may help ease stress, calm emotions, and create a sense of connection with yourself (and, in pregnancy, with your baby).
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Non-invasive and adaptable – Because it doesn’t rely on loud sounds or vibrations, Reiki can be safely adapted for pregnancy or sensitive conditions, making it a complementary support alongside your usual healthcare.
We practice Usui Reiki, Holy Fire, and Laura is also attuned to Dragons of Lemuria Reiki, bringing a diverse lineage of energy healing into sessions. These traditions share the same core principle: supporting the body’s natural ability to rebalance, release, and restore itself.
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6. Are You Qualified & Insured Practitioners?
Yes. We’re accredited by the International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM) and the UK Reiki Federation, and hold practitioner insurance. We’re committed to continuous learning, ethical practice, and the highest standards of care. ​Sessions are fully optional, and clients may pause or discontinue at any time.
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7. How Is Reiki Used in Group Sessions?
In group sound sessions, Reiki is infused into the sound itself rather than delivered through hands-on touch. Reiki symbols may also be placed in the space to support the energetic field. Your experience is entirely safe and personal — you will receive only the energy appropriate for you at that time. This means Reiki can feel gentle or more potent depending on what your system is ready to integrate.
8. Can I Combine Sound Healing or Reiki With Other Healing Modalities?
Yes — Sound Healing can beautifully complement many other therapies as part of a holistic approach. Some examples include:​
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Reiki
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Talk therapy or counselling
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Massage or other bodywork (craniosacral therapy, aromatherapy, etc.)
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Meditation or mindfulness practices
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Energy healing modalities
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Fitness, movement, or yoga practices
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Nature immersion or forest bathing
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Nutritional and lifestyle support
The key is to find what resonates best for you. If you are currently receiving treatment for a specific condition, we recommend checking with your healthcare provider to ensure sound healing fits safely within your plan.
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9. Is Sound Therapy, Reiki and Sound Massage Suitable For Everyone?
Sound healing supports many people worldwide, but it may not be suitable for everyone. We recommend avoidance — or medical consultation — if you are:
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In your first trimester of pregnancy, in the final stages of pregnancy or have a high-risk pregnancy
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Living with a pacemaker
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Managing epilepsy, severe mental illness, or unstable physical health
In addition, Sound Massage may not be suitable if you have metal in your body, spinal issues, slipped, herniated, or bulging discs.
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Reiki is very gentle and safe for most people. The only times we need to take extra care are if you have a pacemaker or serious mental health conditions. You can find full guidance here: Health Precautions.
Before any one-to-one treatment, you’ll also be asked to complete a Consultation and Medical History Form, so we can support your health and safety.
10. Who Might Benefit From Sound Therapy & Reiki?
Sound and Reiki can be especially supportive for those who:
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Are experiencing stress, burnout, or overwhelm
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Want to improve sleep and relaxation
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Seek support with emotional release or nervous system balance
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Are looking to improve energy flow & blood flow or lower blood pressure
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Wish to feel more connected, clear, or centred in themselves, with others, and spiritually
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Want to strengthen self-awareness
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Like meditation, but find it difficult, or on their own
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Love music but would like to try a different, calmer presentation of it, free of alcohol & outside of clubbing
11. Why Do I Need To Consult a Doctor?
We hold firm professional boundaries and never advise replacing medical care with holistic therapies. If you have concerns about your health, medical advice should always come first. Sound healing and reiki are supportive practices that work alongside — not instead of — medical care. Checking with your GP or specialist helps you enjoy your session with full peace of mind.
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12. Is Sound Healing Safe During Pregnancy?
Many people attend sound healing sessions while pregnant and find them supportive and restful. Certain adjustments are recommended for safety and comfort, particularly around loud or low-frequency sounds. You can read the full blog post about this here: How to Enjoy Sound Healing & Reiki Safely During Pregnancy ​
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13. Does Sound Therapy/ Reiki Cure Illness?
We don’t diagnose or treat medical conditions, we don’t make medical claims and we do not promise outcomes. Our work focuses on restoring flow, harmony, and coherence in the body — creating conditions where your natural healing intelligence can do what it already knows how to do. You are the healer; we simply provide the soundscape and space for that process to unfold. That said, we have seen it be supportive for many 'conditions', emotional release, chronic pain, and even tinnitus. But again we do not guarantee outcomes, but it's unique to the individual, different every time because we are working with the biofield and energy, and so in this way it can be phenomenological.
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14. Can Sound Therapy Support Emotional Release?
Yes — sound can stir necessary emotional and physiological responses. Some people may release emotions during or after a session, which can be a healthy part of processing stress or tension. You can read more about this on the following blog post: Can Sound Healing Make You Cry?
15. What If I Don't Feel Anything During A Session?
That’s perfectly okay. Effects can be subtle — a tingling in the hands or feet, a sense of calm, softness, or mental clarity that appears hours or even days later. Other times, it may feel more emotional, visual, or physical. There’s no right or wrong way to experience Sound Healing or Reiki. Your body will take in what it needs, even if you don’t consciously notice it at the time. We recommend journalling as part of your wellbeing journey, especially if you attend regularly, to help notice these subtleties and track your progress over time. The above section may also help guide your self expansion, growth and understanding.
16. How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Some notice shifts after one session; others attend regularly to support deeper healing or maintain balance. Group sessions provide a gentle reset, while one-to-one sessions offer personalised support. There’s no set rule — you’re welcome to come once, occasionally, or as part of your ongoing wellbeing practice. But for deeper rooted themes, you will see more benefit from at least 4-8 sessions because this gives you time and space for integration, to build self-awareness, change habits, and build familiarity that will benefit you long-term. For those attending on a more regular basis, you can sign up for our gratitude program to receive gratitude points which gets you discounts off future bookings.
17. How Can I Prepare? What Do I Do After?
Simply come with openness and curiosity. A few gentle tips:
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Avoid stimulants like caffeine beforehand
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Wear loose, comfortable clothing
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Bring water and extra layers to stay cosy
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Set a gentle intention
On the day, you’ll be guided through everything — there’s no pressure, and no way to get it wrong. After your session, we recommend drinking more water than usual to support the healing & detoxification process, and avoiding alcohol and stimulants for at least 24 hours. Eating a nourishing meal can also help ground you further as eating brings us back into the physical body & realm. Journalling is an excellent practice if you attend sessions like this regularly to notice how sounds affect you, what sounds you like or dislike and why, and to notice changes, subtleties, and shifts in thoughts, patterns and feelings.
18. Why Is Intention Important?
Scientific research highlights the significant impact of intention on healing:
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HeartMath Institute: The heart produces the body’s strongest electromagnetic field, extending several feet beyond the body. This field is influenced by emotions and intention, suggesting that focused thought can affect both personal physiology and the surrounding environment. (heartmath.org)
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Power of Eight (Lynne McTaggart): Group intention has been shown to produce measurable changes in the physical world, including accelerated plant growth and improved health outcomes. (lynnemctaggart.com)
World renowned and respected Sound Therapist, Jonathan Goldman also says in his books on Sound Healing that the secret formula to healing is, “Frequency + Intention = Healing.”
In Sound & Reiki, your intention directs the energy. We see intention as the bridge between thought and manifestation — sound simply amplifies that frequency, which is why we always work intentionally. Clients are invited to set a personal, positive intention at the start of a session, and the practitioner brings their own focused intention to support the group. This helps align the energy and amplify the experience, while ensuring that you receive only what you are ready for at that moment.
19. Can Sound Act As A "Mirror" Into Our Internal World & Emotional State?
Yes. Whilst very loud or high-intensity sounds can cause hearing damage and stress, generally, all sounds are vibrations; it’s how we respond or the meaning we attach to them that matters and this is how we can learn more about our inner worlds through the lens of sound.
For example, if traffic noise triggers irritation, it might reflect underlying frustration or anger in your life that could benefit from awareness or attention. Conversely, sounds that bring joy, calm, or uplifting memories can remind you of what restores your balance and resonance.
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During sound healing sessions, noticing your responses — both positive and challenging — can offer insight into your emotional state, highlight areas for self-care, and deepen your experience. This isn’t always comfortable, but it’s part of the process — once named, felt and released, resonance returns. Cultivating curiosity about your reactions — and the joy or memories that arise — can help you reconnect with what nurtures you most.
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20. Can I Get A Refund If I Can't Make The Session?
Contact us directly if you need to cancel — we aim to find a solution that works for you. Generally, late cancellations (under 48 hours) or missed sessions are non-refundable, but rescheduling may be possible depending on availability. If a session is cancelled by Found in Sound, a full refund or alternative session will be offered.
21. How Do I Make A Complaint?
We aim to provide a safe, supportive, and professional environment at all times. We welcome feedback as an opportunity to improve and we take complaints very seriously. If you are unhappy with any aspect of your treatment or service, please let us know as soon as possible so we can address it quickly. You can do this by emailing us: foundinsoundappointments@gmail.com, or phoning us 07429 803097. When making a complaint, please provide: Your full name and contact details. A clear description of your concern, including relevant dates and details. Any supporting documents, if applicable. We will do our very best to address this and find a suitable resolution.
If unresolved, you may submit a formal complaint. We will:
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Acknowledge it promptly (within 5 working days)
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Record details, including the date and nature of the issue
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Investigate fairly and respond with outcomes and actions
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If you remain dissatisfied with our response, you have the right to escalate your complaint to the International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM), who oversee accredited members and can independently review complaints. To do this, please complete the official complaints form available on the IPHM website: www.iphm.co.uk. All complaints are handled confidentially and respectfully.
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22. Where Do I Get A GP Consent Form?
If you are pregnant, have a medical condition, or require extra reassurance, a GP consent form may be requested. This ensures your GP is aware of treatment, clarifies any risks, and provides protection for both you and the practitioner. ​​​
