Mentorship FAQs

Mentorship FAQs

Nurse Healers-Professional Associates, Inc. (NH-PAI) The credentialing body of Therapeutic Touch International Association (TTIA)

Frequently Asked Questions About the Therapeutic Touch Mentorship Process

An Introduction

Mentorship with a Qualified Therapeutic Touch Teacher (QTTT) or Qualified Therapeutic Touch Practitioner (QTTP) with five years’ experience is a valuable way to deepen your own practice.  It is also a required element for those seeking to become a QTTP.

Mentorship gives the student an opportunity for an ongoing conversation with an experienced practitioner. Each mentor tailors her/his program to the needs and learning style of the student while covering a range of topics related to the core curriculum and mentorship guidelines developed by Therapeutic Touch International Association (TTIA).

While each mentor is unique, all mentors choose to participate because of their dedication to Therapeutic Touch (TT).  Inquisitive, patient, knowledgeable, open and respectful mentors expect their students to be committed to deepening their own practice and understanding of TT. Students should be willing to take direction, study, practice regularly and take the mentor/student relationship seriously. A mentor can take the student right through the application process for her/his own QTTP credential should the student wish to pursue it.

The relationship between mentor and student can lead to transforming experiences for both parties.  Many students continue to work with their mentor in less formal ways long after becoming QTTPs themselves.

Therapeutic Touch Mentorship:
For Students Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Are there prerequisites to signing up for mentorship?
A: A Basic 12 hour TT class is the minimum requirement.  Many people begin right after their first workshop, while others begin later after taking Intermediate TT or even after the Advanced TT course.

Q: Do I have to be applying for QTTP?
A:  No, you do not need to decide whether or not you want to pursue your QTTP when you begin a TT mentorship.  Some students enter a mentorship arrangement to explore and deepen their practice, with no intention of becoming a qualified practitioner.

Q: How long is the program?
A: For anyone wishing to become a QTTP the process is a minimum of one year with a minimum of 36 hours of contact time with your mentor. Often students develop deep rapport with their mentors, and the mentorship continues for longer.

Q: Why is mentorship required for the application process?
A: Experience has shown that working with a mentor plays a valuable and essential role in the education of a TT practitioner. As a QTTP, you will need to have many skills you might be unaware of as well as a deep understanding of the profound relationship between you as the healer and the TT recipient. During your mentorship these subjects will be explored and developed. You will often hear that “Therapeutic Touch enhances transformation” and a mentor helps to guide you through this time of growth and questioning.

Q: What does it mean – “TT enhances transformation?”
A: TT, while based in research, becomes a deeply moving experience for the practitioner.  It is a healing practice that requires compassion, honesty, and integrity. Often we show those qualities to others more often than we treat ourselves to them!  Therapeutic Touch requires a level of compassion for ourselves, honesty with ourselves, and inner integrity that perhaps we haven’t previously attempted.  The practice of Therapeutic Touch initiates an exploration of our deep self, our relationship to the greater human community and to the life force that connects us ultimately to this multi-dimensional world we live in. This “transpersonal” journey has the power to transform us and actually gives us greater access to the healing field for those with whom we work. Through this process, routine or familiar observations and understandings are transcended and we explore new territory previously unavailable to us. With that, our compassion, honesty, and integrity expand on all levels – within and without.  Having a mentor familiar with this path is extremely helpful and personal.  Mentorship provides an armature for this work.

Q: What exactly is the role of my mentor?
A: The role of the mentor is multifaceted: she/he assesses your skills, creates a safe environment for learning, and provides knowledge and experience to help you develop and gain confidence as a healer. She/he will help you define your personal and professional goals with healing, and organize incremental learning experiences that address those goals. Your mentor will support, assist and nurture you on your journey.  From tweaking your technique, discussing books and guiding you through truly transforming moments, your mentor will be your companion. If and when you both feel you are ready to apply for QTTP, she/he will walk you through the process by reviewing your application and case studies and writing a letter of recommendation for you.

Q: What kinds of things are covered in the mentorship process?
A: Here is a partial list of subjects:

  • Review of Therapeutic Touch process, theory, and research.
  • Explore ways to develop/exercise compassion, which is a key motivator and tool in healing work.
  • Explore and practice “centering” as the access point to the universal healing field.
  • Discuss and learn about the role the chakras play in a TT session.
  • Read books by Dolores Krieger, Dora Kunz and others.
  • Discuss energy field theory as it relates to TT.
  • Explore becoming more sensitive to cues in the physical, emotional, and psychodynamic human energy fields.
  • Review current clinical studies, and discuss the ramifications for healing work.
  • Practice self care – giving as much care to ourselves as we do to others.
  • Connect with our Inner Selves.
  • Learn how to correctly document your sessions, including how to articulate what you are feeling and doing during your treatments.  (Part of the QTTP application involves writing up single case studies as well as long term ones.  Your mentor will teach you how to do this correctly).
  • Journaling your experiences during the time of your mentorship program.

Q: There are other mentorship programs- how do they differ from the TTIA Mentorship Process?
A: Currently there are programs and continuing education workshops that support the TTIA Mentorship Process. We encourage students to apply and participate!  Students of all experience levels and years of practice come to these programs.  In all mentoring programs the mentor pays close attention to the interests and needs of the students and tailors a good part of her/his program to reflect them. Working with a second mentor for a short time can be enormously helpful because an informed second perspective on the same material may open your eyes in new ways.  Although these programs will not replace the Mentorship Process for those seeking their QTTP, some hours may be accepted at the discretion of your mentor.

Q: May I do the Mentorship Process in a shorter time?
A: No. Again, experience has shown that even a year may be not quite enough to fully absorb and synthesize all you will explore and learn with your mentor.  Students enjoy the one-on-one attention and time they get from their mentors and often continue for longer, even after receiving their own QTTP.

Q: How do I find a Therapeutic Touch mentor? What if I live in a remote area and there are no mentors close by?
A:  Many mentors offer long distance mentorship programs using telephone, email and internet video conferencing to help to fill in the gap for “seeing” each other. Actual time together will still be required at some point. Some mentors hold weekend seminars or practice groups for mentorship students a few times a year so that they can meet, practice together and have some joint workshop time.  There are lots of options.  We’ll do our best to help find you the right mentor to satisfy your particular needs. E-mail the TTIA office ([email protected]) or the Education Trustee ([email protected]) for a list of mentors.

Therapeutic Touch Mentorship: For Mentors

Please read the TT Mentorship: For Students (above) first. It will answer many of your questions.

Mentoring, whether in the year-long Mentorship Process arrangement or at a mentoring program, is a great way to develop your own practice of TT, deepen awareness of the Inner Self and continue your transformative experience. Being able to guide another practitioner in her/his exploration of healing, the Inner Self and TT are rewarding, challenging, educational and fun!  We encourage those who are interested to become mentors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: I’m interested in mentoring! Do I qualify?
A: Those who are Qualified TT Practitioners with 5 years’ experience and Qualified Therapeutic Teachers meet TTIA’s requirements to become a mentor.   Contact TTIA for additional information and guidelines. Click on TTIA Calendar of Events at https://www.therapeutictouch.org

Q: Are there particular qualities I need to have?
A: Yes! A good mentor is inquisitive, patient and open to learning.  A mentor should be able to:

  •  Assess the skill level and needs of a student.
  •  Create a safe and interesting learning environment.
  •  Organize learning experiences tailored to the student.
  •  Make comments, clarify misinterpretation of methodology  and information and provide support.
  • Be able to articulate energetic/inner experiences and teach the student how to do the same.
  • Creatively respond to the needs of the student and be willing to revise lesson plans accordingly.
  • Respect the student and be open to learn from her/him too!

Q: What is the curriculum covered in Mentorship?
A: Under FAQs for Students (above) is a partial list.  A full list is available through TTIA to qualified mentors.

Q: Is there a set way to teach the material?
A: No – that’s the fun and challenge of mentoring. You design your own program according to the guidelines and the needs of your student.  There are programs provided to support your knowledge base and development as a mentor/teacher. Click Here to access the TTIA Calendar of Events.

Q: What if I have never taught TT?
A: There are courses for educators offered periodically for both teaching and mentoring. Some mentorship programs offer opportunities for learning to become a mentor. You could always become a QTTT, co-teaching with your mentor. Teaching seminars, led by very experienced teachers, are another wonderful way to be with a group of fellow teachers and to learn a lot in a short time.  In these programs you learn about organizing class time, presenting material, developing curriculum, etc. Click here for TTIA Calendar of Events.

Q: I previously have TT taught – where might I learn to become a mentor?
A: Mentoring at one of the mentoring programs is a challenging, exciting, and educational experience.  You could also attend as a participant and shadow a mentor, observing as well as participating.  You would see how the program is organized, meet different mentors and continue your own exploration of TT.  Many have found this to be a very rewarding path. Please contact the TTIA Education Trustee at [email protected]  for more information or Click Here for the TTIA events calendar.