Level 1 - Course Description

Therapeutic Touch™ (TT) is a gentle, holistic practice that balances the energy field to facilitate the healing process. Level I introduces the concepts, assumptions, principles and techniques of TT, and overviews the history, Code of Ethics and research. This practice-oriented workshop will focus on centering, grounding, intention and performing basic TT while appreciating the healthy energy field.

Length of Level 1 class: 12 instructional hours in divided classes

Prerequisite for Level 1 : none

  Learning Outcomes with Content

By the end of the 12 hour course, the student will be able to:

 

A. Identify aspects of the history, assumptions, concepts, and examples of research that supports TT

TT theory: history (Dora Kunz, Dee Krieger, Estebany)

TT Definition, Assumptions – uses, special groups

Research

Theory Framework - holistic: body, mind, emotions

 

B. Communicate respectfully by practising a short introduction to each TT session

Communication skills: a short introduction before starting TT that includes a simple

explanation of TT including permission to touch and giving the healee the right to stop at any time during the session.

 

C. Demonstrate the ability to perform basic TT

TT process: basic TT

Center and stay on center, ground self

Intention

Assess client's energy field

Re-balance the client's energy field

Reassess, know when to stop TT

In class practice

 

D. Demonstrate the ability to perform basic TT documentation

Introduce a simple diagram & checklist to document:

Giving a TT session

Receiving a TT session (optional)

 

Identify the aspects of the normal energy field and energy overload cautions for self and client

Special circumstances:

Contrast a balanced healthy human energy field vs. an unbalanced unhealthy energy field

Energy overload precautions, prevention, and remedies

Discuss strategies for client care and safety – head, babies, elderly

 

F. Identify BCTTS Ethics and Legalities

BCTTNS Code of Ethics

Assure client confidentiality

B.C. Privacy Act

Respect client's personal boundaries

 

G. Identify the benefits of a healing lifestyle, which supports self-care, growth and self-awareness

TT Self care: journey of self discovery & growth:

Mediation

TT readings (reference list)

Receiving TT treatments

 

H. Give and receive TT with peer feedback; be aware of the benefits of continued practice

Information on:

BCTTNS Network: web, newsletter, In Touch

TT practice groups, Networking day, TT speakers

New membership discount ( $30 if they join within 60 days of the Level 1 class)

Therapeutic Touch International (formerly NHPAI)

Camp Indralaya

 

Suggested Teaching Strategies

Guided meditation before each TT practice session

Research – suggest two examples in story form:

- Kreiger - Hb, Grad – seedlings, relaxation response

Mini lectures, practice sessions, discussions, Guiding questions

Overheads, Videos, DVD ' s made or purchased

Tell TT stories to illustrate key points

Demonstrate TT and discuss

TT practice in small groups of 2-4: give & receive TT with feedback; document on a simple diagram; change partners

BCTTNS Code of Ethics discussion with simple case scenarios

Meditation and breathing styles for personal growth

BCTTNS info and new membership (discount)

BCTTNS Newsletter & In Touch (4 per year),

Practice groups

Resource Table: videos, books, articles

TT workbook prepared by teacher

Certificate of completion (Level 1, 12 hours of theory, instruction and practice of TT, teacher / sponsoring agency / location).

 

 

Level 2 -Course Description:

This practice-oriented workshop builds on the basic skills and concepts from Therapeutic Touch (TT) Level I. The emphasis is on rebalancing the energy field; using TT in various situations; documenting; ethical behaviour, self care through self exploration

Length of Level 2 course: 10-12 instructional hours in divided classes with supervised practice. Flexible to meet needs of learner communities

Prerequisite for Level 2: 12 hours of Level 1 classes (per motion carried at Fall Conference Oct/08). Students are encouraged to attend TT practice groups

Learning Outcomes: By the end of Level 2, the learner

 

A: Understands the connection between TT assumptions, concepts, research and TT outcomes:

Reviews TT theory, history, definition, assumptions, outcomes

Knows theory framework: e.g.: energy field, open system, balance & harmony, research: TT is the energy modality with the most research (ongoing). Many TT studies have been done in BC. BCTTN Teacher decides the number and which specific studies are discussed depending on make-up of TT students in the course

 

B. Communicates in a compassionate way to gain healee's trust:

Reviews communication skills, especially the TT intro from Level 1 e.g. : student rehearses own introduction dialogue with TT description, permission for TT & touching, conveys verbal and non-verbal caring, compassion

•  Focuses on healee (“client-centered” theory); ensures that healee understands that TT is not counselling therapy

•  Chooses language suited to the healee ' s level of understanding

•  Refrains from discussing religious topics

•  Discusses with TT peers how to conduct self and communicate professionally

         

C. Performs all phases of TT with an emphasis on varied ways to rebalance the healee's energy field:

Demonstrates a deeper level of understanding of: Centering, Assessment, Rebalancing, Reassessment, Grounding, when to end a TT session

Explores stillness & silence, colour, sound, intention, difference between imagery and visualization, intuition, intensity and integrates these into the rebalancing process

Explores intention of offering energy (e.g. head injury, over kidneys) versus directing energy (e.g. down long bones)

•  Practices 1:1

•  Practices Two Person TT and Self TT

 

D. Documents a TT session:

When giving and receiving TT documents session using BCTTN Practitioner's Workbook guidelines or other documentation forms

 

E. Uses TT appropriately for people of all ages and health conditions:

Assesses the whole energy field and offers TT rebalancing as necessary

Uses caution with people who have different health conditions e.g.: premature baby, pregnancy, frail, head injury, epilepsy, depression, etc.

Reviews: energy overload situations e.g.: student ' s own overload experience & how to prevent and remedy this

Remembers and reminds peers that “T he Field leads the dance!!!!! Less is more!!!!!

Knows how to use TT for focused immediate relief e.g. scalded finger

 

F. Applies BCTTNS Code of Ethics to everyday situations encountered when practising TT: (learners sign the Code of Ethics at the time they join BCTTN)

Demonstrates info rmed consent by asking healee's permission to give TT and to touch (or not touch)

Demonstrates other actions showing Informed Consent, confidentiality

Discusses TT ethical dilemmas using the Code of Ethics to help problem solve

 

G. Understands benefits of maintaining a healing lifestyle through an ongoing program of self-care and self-exploration:

•  Chooses & regularly practices mediation, imagery, breathing, journaling, having a mentor, exercise, healthy diet, adequate rest, listening to own body, not smoking, low alcohol intake, regular TT sessions

 

H. Understand benefits of TT by regularly attending a TT practice group and/or regularly giving and receiving TT with peer feedback:

Communicates by email or phone monthly or bimonthly to teacher or mentor

Shares info rmation about benefits of TT, joining BCTTN, networking opportunities, conferences & practice group info rmation with TT peers & in their community

attends TT practice groups if possible

•  Seeks out opportunities to use and document TT

•  Maintains a program of TT studies ( info on Level 3, BCTTN conferences, retreats, practice days. Progresses towards Indralaya ' s mentorship/advanced invitationals)

 

Progression to Level 3:

Six months of active TT practice is recommended. This could include: TT practice, meditation, attendance at practice groups, attendance at BCTTN conference or events, reading TT material. This is flexible in that BCTTN Teacher decides re 6 months/less/more depending on individual student's knowledge, skills, attendance at TT events

 

Level 3 - Course Description

An experiential workshop that builds on Therapeutic Touch (TT) Levels 1 and 2. Students deepen all phases of TT as they study the chakras, emotions and intuition; then adapt the TT process for more complex health conditions. They document each practice session while demonstrating synthesis skills in the human energy field. Related topics include TT research, ethical dilemmas, legalities, self-care and self-exploration. This course introduces students to the BCTTN Recognised Practitioner process .

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of Level 3, learners will be able to:

•  Explore the assumptions, concepts, theory frameworks & research including the CHACKRA foundations of TT.

•  Communicate compassion & engage in a trusting TT relationship that is attuned to physical & emotional care.

C. Integrate all phases of TT at an intermediate level with emphasis on the chakras, emotions and deepening the intuitive process.

D. Refine TT documentation using the BCTTN workbook [as required for TT Recognised Practitioner (TTRP)].

 

E Adjust the TT process for sensitive fragile healees with more complex physical and emotional conditions .

F. Problem solve using the BCTTN Code of Ethics and ethical dilemmas from current TT practice.

G . Sustain a healing lifestyle through meditation & reflective practices which support growth of the “inner self”.

H. Connect to the TT community by regularly giving and receiving TT in a Practice Group or with a TT mentor.

 

Content

A. TT theory : in depth discussion of how assumptions, frameworks, concepts & research relate to the CHAKRAS intercultural origins of TT practice. Use Krieger /Kunz current work / books as a resource.

•  Theory Framew orks are integrated to explain TT. e.g. Western scientific : relaxation response & breathing; CNS, autonomic & endocrine system - relate to chakra locations. Eastern philosophy: chakras, prana, nadis explained using the Kreiger / Kunz perspective.

•  Research: e.g. www Skeptics vs. TT sources; BC - Ting: Practice Group qualitative study.

B. Communication skills: Review introductory dialogue for informed consent re: TT & touching

•  Role model skills e.g. communicate compassion and develop a therapeutic relationship with the client.

•  Adapt communication style for people with special needs e.g. child, unconscious,/coma, dying, using substances, deaf or blind.

C. TT process & practice :

•  Integrate all phases of TT into a smooth process with focus on the emotional field and intuition.

•  Chakas (Kreiger / Kunz perspective); colors /sound / vibration linked to chakras & TT context..

•  Working in pairs with one client. (2:1)

D. Documentation:

•  Refine TT documentation method using BCTTN workbook ( giving & receiving TT + supervised sessions).

•  Document with an awareness of both “ the art & science of TT”

E. Adjusting TT for fragile healees with more complex physical and emotional conditions

•  Review energy overload precautions e.g. babies, pregnant women, frail elderly, cancer or hospice healees

•  The sensitive head energy field e.g. em otions, mental illness, addiction, head injury

•  Select examples from class members' TT experiences or interest.

 

F. Ethics and Legalities ( Select focus according to needs of learners ).

•  BCTTN Code of Ethics applied to TT sessions within agencies, communities or individual practice.

•  Debate ethical dilemmas from the students' own experiences, using the BCTTN Code of Ethics as a resource.

•  TT as complementary to other therapies and not a replacement for medical therapy.

•  Therapeutic Touch TM , Registered Trade Mark: its proper use; who can practice TT; call themselves a TT Recognised Practitioner (TTRP) and/or TT Recognised Teacher (TTRT).

•  Standards of legal documentation, informed consent, privacy (Privacy Act, inappropriate disclosure).

•  Trend towards increased accountability & standards for TT volunteers and hospital staff e.g. Recognized Practitioner (TTRP) & mentoring as an entry point.

•  Evolving legal issues: Federal / Provincial licensing laws; scope of practice; policies, l iability insurance.

F. A healing lifestyle: Integrate regular meditative practices for self care and self growth

•  Identify “ hunches” intuitive jumps, synchronicity through journaling e.g. in class or as homework

•  TT as a “Life long learning” evolution e.g. “ What next?”…. TT and energy related readings.

•  Use camcorder & video playback for TT session, reflection & self growth (OPTIONAL)

G. TT connections : BCTTN membership and networking days

•  Expand activities related to TT in different settings: extended family and friends; seniors centers, lead mediation in practice group, attend TT workshops & conferences.

•  Write short articles for the BCTTN Newsletter.

 

Length of the Level 3 course : 12 instructional hours in divided classes.

 

Prerequisite for Level 3: A total of 24 hours of Level 1 & 2 classes followed by 6-12 months of active TT practice. Recommended: M aintain a program of TT development e.g. BCTTN membership + meditation, + practice group + attending at least one BCTTN Practitioners Day / Retreat /TT Workshop / Networking + reading TT books.

 

Teaching strategies / process

Warm up exercise. “Learning wish list” to identify what is covered in Level 3 and what in higher classes (Level 4… advanced). Guided meditation ( chants, humming). Theory (Mini lecture); Experiential (demo / practice); Discussion.. Review key points Level 1 & 2. Demonstrate, document & discuss TT sessions. TT practice in small groups of 2-4: give & receive TT with feedback (1:1 & 2:1); changing partners. Camcorder or video. FAQ, Question and answer session. . BCTTN Code of Ethics discussion with applied case scenarios from students' TT practice experiences. BCTTN info: Newsletter, In Touch, TT practice groups. Resource table: TT newsletters, BCTTN Workbook, videos, books, articles, flip chart, writing materials. TT workbook prepared by the instructor. Certificate of completion (Level, instructional hours, instructor, sponsoring agency / location).

 

Suggested reading for Level 3

Krieger, D.(1993). Accepting your power to heal: the personal practice of therapeutic touch . Sante Fe: Bear.

May, D.(2003). The therapeutic touch handbook. Level2-3 -Intermediate . Mississauga : Scribe Press

Moore, T. (2004). Annotated bibliography of published Therapeutic Touch™ research: 1975 to July 2004. Toronto : Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario

 

THERAPEUTIC TOUCH RESOURCES

Krieger, D. (1993). Accepting your power to heal: the personal practice of Therapeutic Touch .

Sante Fe: Bear

 

Macrae, J. (1997 printing). Therapeutic Touch: A practical guide . New York : Alfred Knof

 

May, D. (2001). The Therapeutic Touch Handbook. Level 1 - Basic

Mississauga : Scribe Press

 

Moore, T. (2004). Annotated bibliography of published Therapeutic Touch research: 1975 to July 2004. Toronto : Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario

 

Videos: (owned by BCTTNS and available for loan to teachers on a pre booked basis)

Dora Kunz (1990). The Healing Attitude

 

Websites:

BCTTN www.bctherapeutictouch.com

Ontario TT Network www.therapeutictouchnetwk.com

Therapeutic Touch International (formerly NH-PAI) www.therapeutic-touch.org