Foundations of Therapeutic Touch
With Leonie Van Gelder (TT) and Sandy Revesz
June 8 - 12, 2024
Foundations of Therapeutic Touch
What is Therapeutic Touch?
Therapeutic Touch (TT) is a safe, non-invasive holistic healing modality that can be learned by anyone with compassion and the desire to help another. Developed by Dolores Krieger, RN, PhD and Dora van Gelder Kunz in the early 1970’s, TT has a long history of application and research promoting healing and wholeness in numerous physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges.
Therapeutic Touch is defined as a holistic, evidence-based therapy that incorporates the intentional and compassionate use of universal energy to promote balance and well-being.
Therapeutic Touch is based on the idea that inherent in nature is a healing energy comprised of Wholeness, Compassion and Natural Order. Through quieting ourselves, we can connect to this healing energy and compassionately and consciously use our hands to direct it to support healing. Dora Kunz observed that the ability to promote healing is a natural human potential. Also, that in health, life energy flows freely throughout the body. In contrast, dis-ease is a condition of energy imbalance or disorder. Among potential responses, evidence shows that Therapeutic Touch promotes a deep relaxation response, easing tension and anxiety; reducing the perception of pain; accelerating the healing process and promoting an increase in comfort at the end of life.
Therapeutic Touch (TT) workshops were first offered at Camp Indralaya in 1977. Since that time, this healing technique has become increasingly accepted in hospitals and clinics throughout North America, in addition to being taught in many universities. TT is currently practiced and taught in over 90 countries around the world. A substantial body of research backs up the clinical wisdom that TT promotes the healing of a large variety of physical, emotional and spiritual challenges.
This program provides a foundation in the theory and practice of Therapeutic Touch. It is designed for anyone new to the practice of TT or anyone wishing to refresh their practice. Many practitioners take more than one Foundations class, this is especially good when taken from different teachers. As a complementary and alternative modality, many health care professionals are learning TT, however, anyone who has the desire to help another with their healing process is also encouraged to apply. Participants will practice fundamental techniques, understand the physiological effects, and learn about uses of TT in various settings. Experiencing a workshop such as this in the natural beauty of Indralaya greatly aids in deepening the learning process and nurtures you as you learn.
Approved to award 12 contact hours
This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the American Holistic Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Approval for contact hours through the American Holistic Nurses Association is based on an assessment of the educational merit of this program and does not constitute endorsement of the use of any specific modality in the care of clients.
Program Fees:
PLEASE NOTE: NO PLUMBING OPTIONS are available at this time. Plumbing cabins and Roundhouse are sold out, but non-plumbing options remain. Thank you for understanding.
Program fees are all-inclusive and cover accommodation, food, and program specifics. Participants may choose their accommodation type (Plumbing, Non-Plumbing, RV/Tent) and may select to work on daily staff (3 hours commitment per day) for a substantial discount.
See Accommodation Types Here: Plumbing/RoundHouse Non-Plumbing RV/Tent
In the table, Std-regular; DS-Daily Staff
Acceptance to the Therapeutic Touch programs is by application only. Once you register the application form will be sent to you via email, or regular mail (you can specify in the registration form).
Registration Instructions:
- You may register one or more persons in a single registration. To register more than one, select multiple persons for your accommodation type.
- You have an option of making a donation to Indralaya as part of your registration.
- On checkout, please indicate if you are a “friend of Indralaya” (if you are not you can become one by selecting this option) – this will confer a 5% discount on your camp fees.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation until May 8 – $0
- Cancellation fee May 9 – June 1= $50
- Cancellation fee after June 1 – $100
Leaders
BA LMT QTTT I originally learned Therapeutic Touch in the 1970’s, but it wasn’t until I began to manage Camp Indralaya with my husband in the mid 1990’s that I more fully committed myself to an ongoing practice. Over the years, I have worked on people with a variety of conditions, and I continue to learn. As I grow in experience and confidence, my receptivity also grows. Currently I am on the Therapeutic Touch International Association’s board. During these past few years, I have practiced TT in person as a caregiver, and also on Zoom with friends and colleagues. Therapeutic Touch…
Learn more about Leonie Van Gelder (TT)
CURN, LMP, BSN, QTTP Hello there, I have been studying Massage and Therapeutic Touch since 1982. I first learned Therapeutic Touch in 1976. I have been teaching TT since 1984, often with Susan Wager M.D. and other health professionals. For many years I worked with people living with HIV-AIDS, doing massage and TT, on a regular visit basis. In addition to teaching TT, I was Massage Therapy instructor in Tacoma and Seattle. I have been part of both the faculty and planning committees for numerous Therapeutic Touch workshops of all levels. I have been an RN since 1989 and helped…
Learn more about Sandy Revesz
