Standards

VHF standards, for the two year diploma course consist of 180 hours of tutor led tuition.  This translates into 14 weekends spread over a period of two years.  This number of hours includes the agreed CHI crystal training standards and core curriculum.  VHF tutors must also meet the criteria concerning teaching standards.  It is in order to protect the public, practitioners as well as the reputation of this valuable complementary therapy that the above-mentioned standards have been set.

After successful completion of the course, the crystal & energy healer can start to practice responsibly, effectively and professionally.  Because the VHF Diploma Course carries a qualification in both crystal and energy healing and also is extremely profound in other areas, those who have graduated also are registered at the VHF as Subtle Energy Medicine Practitioners™.

A further 180 hours of tuition and practice is now also available for practicing healers who wish to take their work further and this leads to a qualification as a Subtle Energy Medicine Specialist™.  After this there is also one year of structured CPD training available.  All in all the Specialist in this field will have done more than 4 years of intensive training & practical experience over a minimum period of five years with subsequent additional post graduate opportunities.  It is therefore not any longer all that different from professional training in conventional subjects. In our view and experience

Accreditation

VHF is a founder member of the Crystal & Healing Federation (CHF), an umbrella organisation, for crystal & energy healing schools that was established in 1998.  The CHF is a non-profit making organisation that provides, amongst other, an international support network for crystal healing schools, their students and graduates.  CHF is also a member of Crystal & Healing International (CHI), the lead and regulatory body for Subtle Energy Medicine in the UK.

VHF graduates can apply for CHF healer membership and be included on the CHF registers.  The VHF is also a member of the British Complementary Medicine Association (BCMA) and graduates can apply for BCMA membership.  They can also apply for registration with the NHS Directory for alternative and complementary medicine.  For crystal healers this is currently exclusive to graduates of CHF schools.  The Association of Registered Complementary Health Therapists of Ireland (ARCHTI) also approves VHF courses.

Explaining VHF Training standards

Practicing healing may include facilitating sessions for extremely fragile, vulnerable and seriously ill people. Fourteen weekends of training, even if this is done over a period of two years, in our opinion represents the bare minimum, especially if such powerful tools as crystals are used.  Other skills that take time to learn and integrate include being able to perceive and accurately assess the state of the bio magnetic field (aura) and the systems within it. Also to then choose and apply appropriate crystals and techniques to address relevant issues.

This calls for in-depth knowledge, understanding and practical experience of the energies of the Mineral Kingdom.  Channelling energies safely and effectively, self care and the inevitable personal development are also subjects that need time.  In addition to all of this are generic skills that include client care, code of conduct and many other subjects.  These are the main reasons why crystal and energy healing diploma courses by correspondence or shorter diploma courses are not facilitated by the VHF or recognised by CHF and CHI.

Please also see for your information (FYI) on this site or the CHF Student Guide to Healer Training on the CHF site.

Why is crystal healing a valuable therapy if one cannot state that it cures symptoms directly?

Crystal Healing is a holistic therapy, which means that the focus is on the individual as a whole and not on physical symptoms.  The aim of this therapy is to restore wholeness, balance and health on levels of emotions, mind and spirit, which ultimately also affect the individual on all levels and support the recovery processes.

Crystal Healing often involves some form of change in a client's overall way of being.  It may be through a relief of stress and tensions, through revitalisation, relaxation or establishing a greater amount of peace and harmony.  Please also look at the CHF website under therapies for more information.

Why we do not make statements purporting that the properties of certain crystals can heal specific physical symptoms.

Many crystals are said to be helpful with certain conditions or symptoms and to have so called traditional meanings.  Lists of these only serve as an initial, general guideline, usually to describe their overall energy and therefore greatly over simplify issues.  Although different people can suffer from identical conditions or symptoms, the cause of these symptoms often varies considerably from person to person and the disturbance in the auric field may be of a very different nature.  Equally, each person is unique and will need the appropriate crystals for their specific needs.

These are some reasons as to why one cannot possibly generalize concerning using crystals for healing.  It is a specialized subject and we strongly advise that anyone who thinks of using them on others ensures they receive the appropriate training before doing so.

Can healers use crystals in combination with other therapies?

Crystal healing can be combined with other forms of healing.  We do, however, advise that any practitioner who thinks of doing this acquires the appropriate training.  Crystals are powerful tools and used incorrectly they can have a negative effect or aggravate issues.  Equally, it is important that a client knows exactly what therapy they are receiving and can be secure in the knowledge that their practitioner is fully qualified in what they practice!

What to you can expect during a crystal healing session.

You may be asked to remove your jewellery and to either sit on a chair or lie on a therapist’s couch during the treatment, fully clothed.  The healer will help you to relax and may then place some crystals on or around your body.  You may experience a slight tingling or nothing at all. Changes will occur on subtle levels before manifesting in the physical.  At times, existing issues may slightly intensify before being released.  This occurs usually within three days of a treatment and the healer will always explain to a client what to expect or do should this happen. Usually a session will not last more than one hour.  When a condition is severe or deeply rooted, it may be necessary for a client to have several sessions in order to integrate the healing and the inevitable changes in stages.  Please also look at the CHI or CHF site at the ‘CHF/CHI Public Information Notice’.

Finding a practitioner.

There are many websites with listings of crystal & energy healers.  Once you have found a healer it is perfectly acceptable to ask if they have a recognised qualification, if they are member of an umbrella organisation and if they adhere to a code of conduct.  You could also ask them where they qualified, how long the training was and if their college belongs to an accredited umbrella organisation.  No genuine and experienced practitioner will mind any such questions.  A bona fide healer must also be able to explain to you in clear and understandable terms what crystal and energy healing is, how it works and what you may expect during a session.  It is also a good idea to ask about charges before booking an appointment and how long a session lasts.