ComSearch Canada - THERAPEUTIC TOUCH / GAIL LAFORTUNE R.P.N.

For Health Professionals, Therapist,
Counsellors, Clergy, Educators,
Veterinarians, and Parents.

Definition of Therapeutic Touch

Therapeutic Touch (TT), is a contemporary interpretation of several ancient healing practices... a consciously directed process of energy exchange during which the practitioner uses the hands as a focus for facilitating healing. The intervention is administered with the intent of enabling people to re-pattern their energy toward wholeness and health. Therapeutic Touch can be used alone, or blended with other healing modalities.

Therapeutic Touch is creating a world-wide impact by profoundly enhancing the quality of nurturing care from birth to death. Of benefit to both the giver and receiver, this modality is proving to be a significant antidote for burnout in health care professionals.

Developed in the early 1970's by Dolores Krieger, Ph.D., R.N. (Professor Emerita of New York University) and Dora Kunz, Therapeutic Touch is now practiced by thousands of health care professionals and lay people throughout the world. Numerous colleges and universities teach it in their graduate and undergraduate nursing programs.

In Ontario, many major hospitals and visiting nurses organizations are encouraging their nurses to study the technique. Among those using TT are hospice volunteers, AIDS care-givers, midwives, occupational health nurses, and those involved with elder-care.

Common Effects

Numerous dissertations and masters’ theses have been done on Therapeutic Touch. In 1994, TT was one of the recipients of research grants awarded to alternative therapies by the National Institute of Health (US). Research and experience have shown its effectiveness in:

eliciting a “relaxation response” and reducing anxiety;
changing a person’s perception of pain;
facilitating the body’s natural restorative processes.

Any condition which will be helped by these effects will benefit from Therapeutic Touch.

Therapeutic Touch is always individualized and usually does not exceed 20 minutes. Newborns, the elderly/debilitated, the very ill, pregnant women and psychiatric disorders are more sensitive to the interaction.

Assumptions

Several assumptions underlie Therapeutic Touch.

In the state of health “life energy” flows freely in, through and out of the organism in a balanced manner.
In disease or injury the flow of energy is obstructed, disordered or depleted. (Macrae)
TT practitioners attempt to influence this energy imbalance, to restore the integrity of the field towards wholeness and health.

Testimonials

When I decided to book an appointment for a Therapeutic Touch treatment, I hoped to rid myself of pain and to regain my lost energy. Although the treatment did not immediately eliminate the pain I had been experiencing in my throat for quite some time, I believe the treatment put me on the path to healing. A sense of calm overcame me, and I felt better equipped to deal with the anxiety and the stress that I experienced when the pain recurred. With time, and almost like magic, the swelling and the pain disappeared. I cannot say without a doubt that my one and only treatment was solely responsible for my improved physical well-being. However, I remain convinced that the Therapeutic Touch treatment was probably instrumental in bringing about this improved state of physical well-being.

Denise

"Thanks,
I had the best sleep last night since Dad's accident 8 weeks ago today. If TT contributed to that, I thank you. Dad had a great day today. He sat in his chair for two hours and his mind was very clear. His oxygen sats were 98%!! "

On the personal note, your selfless healing was the most unique I have received so far. It was not an exercise, it was a deep thorough healing. You really felt what was going on. But contrary to other modalities, it did not bring out negativity and emotional outburst, it brought calmness and peace. Energy stayed for several hours going lovingly through the body and healing. All the time while you were giving Therapeutic Touch the song was in my mind saying "this is the sweetness of the soul". In my language that means that your intention is the purest. Thank you.

Katarina

COURSES IN THERAPEUTIC TOUCH

Courses are available through community colleges, health care facilities and privately through individual teachers.

The full course consists of three levels of a minimum of 8 hours each, taken over a six month period.

Following the basic course, students are encouraged to study with a variety of teachers, since each brings his/her own experience in to their teaching.

Developing Competency

Beginners are encouraged to practice on their family and friends. Competency as a practitioner is gained through practice and continued study, as well as participation in community practice groups, attending retreats and conferences. The number of years a person has been actively practicing Therapeutic Touch is the best indicator of competence.

Year-long programs for the purpose of achieving expertise are available from some advanced teachers. A variety of workshops enhance the practice of TT, including imagery, intuitive training, etc.

Private workshop fees: $100.00 per day

Current events

Therapeutic Touch Practice Group

2nd Tuesday of every month 7 to 9 pm

Location:
Bronson Center
211 Bronson Ave, Ottawa Ontario

Special events

Lend A Hand with Therapeutic Touch™

1st Annual Ottawa Valley Retreat 2009

September 25-27, 2009

Being Held at the Marguerite Centre in Pembroke, Ontario

For anyone with a Level One Therapeutic Touch or more

Come and be with like-minded individuals expanding your knowledge of Therapeutic Touch
and have a lot of fun.

Saturday Evening drumming with

Jean Brereton

For more information call:

Gail Lafortune (613) 834-4524 c.g-tt@sympatico.ca
Patricia Tamosetis 613-625-2277 ttearthwalks@yahoo.com

Note: This retreat has been approved for maintaining Recognized Practitioner status.
To download a registration form for this retreat click here.

Therapeutic TouchTM Workshops presented by Gail Lafortune, recognized practitioner and teacher, since 1997, with the Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario.

Level 1