TTIA Guidelines and Standards for the Practice of Therapeutic Touch®

Therapeutic Touch® is conducted according to the standards for its practice developed by Dr. Dolores Krieger and Dora Kunz and in accordance with the following guidelines:

  • The Therapeutic Touch® (TT) process reflects shifts in consciousness that inform the practitioner’s actions, including energy pattern assessment, planning, rebalancing, and re-evaluation of a Healing partner (Hp) by a qualified TT practitioner
  • The TT practitioner views Healing partners (Hps) from a perspective of wholeness in that they are seen as open, complex, and pandimensional energy systems
  • The TT practitioner makes appropriate referrals, collaborating & communicating with the  Hp’s health care team
  • Information may be obtained regarding Hp’s patterns of behavior and relationships with the environment as appropriate
  •  Healing partner perceptions related to personal worldview, values, health and illness are acknowledged and accepted in a nonjudgmental, compassionate manner by TT practitioner
  • The TT practitioner explains the process before administering a treatment
  • The TT practitioner adheres to the TTIA Code of Ethics

Standards for TT Qualified Practitioners

  • TT may be practiced by individuals who complete the requisite preparation, and demonstrate the desire and commitment to self-awareness, growth, and healing.  Required preparation is the completion of a minimum 12 contact hour Foundations of Therapeutic Touch Workshop taught by a Qualified Therapeutic Touch Teacher (QTTT).
  • Regular TT practice and reflection are keystones to acquiring knowledge, wisdom, and confidence in Therapeutic Touch.  The TT practitionerparticipates in holistic self-care activities (body-mind-spirit); demonstrates compassion and the desire to help another person; practices the TT process on a consistent and continuing basis, averaging at least two times per week; and, updates knowledge and skills.
  • The novice Therapeutic Touch practitioner needs to participate in a formal mentorship with a Qualified TT Practitioner or Qualified TT Teacher over at least a 1 year period.  During the formal mentorship, the novice practices TT with the guidance and support of the mentor and participates in selected practice and educational opportunities.  During the mentorship period, the mentoree/new practitioner is responsible for following the requirements of the Mentorship Agreement she/he and the mentor signed.  The Mentorship may begin after the completion of the Foundations of Therapeutic Touch Workshop.
  • Prior to the completion of the mentorship, and no sooner than 4 months after taking the Foundations of TT Workshop (formerly Basic), the mentoree/practitioner participates in a 14 contact hour Transpersonal Nature of TT (formerly Intermediate) Workshop taught by a Qualified Therapeutic Touch Teacher (QTTT).
  • People who demonstrate basic practice competencies following completion of the Foundations of Therapeutic Touch Workshop and are under the supervision of a Qualified Therapeutic Touch Practitioner or Teacher, may use TT in a hospital or other health care practice setting in accordance with agency or organizational policies, e.g., documentation processes, credentialing, resources, and feedback tools/instruments for quality improvement.
  • People who practice TT must investigate state and provincial licensing laws and regulations prior to accepting fees for practicing TT.  Those who are licensed to perform specific or general health related services need to clarify roles and standards of practice with their respective states or provinces.

©NH-PAI 1991. Revised 11/98, 7/01, 10/07. TTIA 11/10, 4/18. 1-22-2020
This material may not be reproduced without written permission from TTIA. When this document is used as a resource, please acknowledge TTIA as the source