Policies for Professionals

Policy for Professionals

TTIA Therapeutic Touch Policy and Procedures

This policy provides guidance for Therapeutic Touch® (TT) practitioners as they use TT in their practice.

Definition: Therapeutic Touch® is a holistic, evidence-based therapy that incorporates the intentional and compassionate use of universal energy to promote balance and well-being. The intervention is administered with the intent of enabling people to repattern their energy in the direction of health. Indications for use include, but are not limited to, reduction of pain and anxiety, promotion of relaxation, and facilitation of the body’s natural restorative processes.

Policy: Therapeutic Touch may be practiced by a practitioner who has successfully completed a minimum of a twelve (12) hour Basic Level workshop addressing the cognitive and experiential aspects of Therapeutic Touch, given by a Qualified Therapeutic Touch Teacher. Regular practice is the keystone to acquiring knowledge, wisdom, and confidence in Therapeutic Touch. Therapeutic Touch practitioners can begin utilizing TT in a hospital, health care or other practice setting with support and guidance in accordance with the agency’s policies. Those who are not licensed health care professionals must investigate licensing laws and regulations within their own state before charging fees for practicing TT. Those who are licensed to perform specific or general health related services need to clarify roles and scope of practice parameters with their respective states. Therapeutic Touch may be offered to any individual who the practitioner judges may benefit. Therapeutic Touch is an autonomous health care procedure that can be used alone or with other healing modalities. Please see the TTIA website (www.therapeutictouch.org) for the latest guidelines for Mentoring and for becoming a Qualified Therapeutic Touch Practitioner and/or a Qualified Therapeutic Touch Teacher.

Considerations: Therapeutic Touch is a process that is always individualized. In general, neonates, children, pregnant women, people with psychiatric disorders, the elderly and/or those who are debilitated may be more sensitive to the interaction.

Procedure Rationale & Additional Information
1. Explain the procedure and obtain verbal permission whenever possible. TT can be explained as a relaxation intervention that may relieve pain, decrease anxiety, and/or promote a sense of well being.

2. The practitioner centers by bringing one’s body, mind, and emotions to a quiet, focused state of consciousness. Centering is the essential aspect of TT and should be maintained throughout the procedure. Maintaining the centered state prevents the use of personal energy and emotional attachment to the outcome.

3. Make conscious intention to therapeutically assist individual. TT is a purposefully directed process.

4. Assess the condition of the energy field by becoming aware of differences in cues in the field. Hands are usually held about 2-4 inches away from the individual’s body and are moved in a head to feet direction. Baseline assessment of the energy field is necessary in order to intervene effectively during the TT intervention.

5. Use calm and rhythmic hand movements to clear areas of energy imbalance in the field. Repatterning and mobilizing the field facilitates symmetrical, rhythmical energy flow.

6. The hands are used as a focal point for directing or modulating energy as determined by the assessment. Assessment of the field provides a knowledgeable basis for intervention.

7. Repeat prior phases as necessary. Phases are dynamic and integrated.

8. Reassess the condition of the energy field by becoming aware of differences in cues in the field. Hands are usually held about 2-4 inches away from the individual’s body and are moved in a head to feet direction. Continuing assessment of the energy field is necessary in order to intervene effectively during the TT intervention and to help determine when the treatment is finished.

9. Give individual an opportunity to rest, evaluate response. Rest is useful for integrating the TT process.

10. Document the outcome(s). TT is an interaction that can effect a change in the person’s condition.