Alida working on her

What is Healing Touch?

Healing Touch is a non-invasive, gentle and soothing approach to promoting health and well-being. Derived from the ancient art of hands on healing, it works with the body's own energy field to induce deep relaxation, restore the natural healthy flow of energy and promote self-healing.

Is it for everybody?

Healing Touch is beneficial to everyone and works as a complementary therapy to traditional medicine and other therapies.

How does it work?

When a person, or animal, is injured or ill, the energy system becomes out of balance. Healing Touch helps restore the balance, which in turn assists your body's natural capacity for healing itself.

How many sessions is normal?

The number of sessions for Healing Touch is dependent upon the needs of the client. For a new client, I find that three treatments is about right. After each session, I work with the client to reassess their needs and plan the care appropriately. This will include the need for further treatments, referrals to other professionals, and instruction in self care as needed and in collaboration with the wishes of the client.

Do you make house calls?

Yes. I have a flexible practice, and see clients in their home, in the hospital or nursing home, or at my home office. I will go wherever the client is. I will come to you! The appropriate setting is assessed prior to the first treatment.

Do I need a referral?

Yes. I do not go to someone's house without someone I trust vouching for that person. This person does not need to be a physician.

Is it expensive?

I operate on a sliding scale based in part on the ability to pay.

Do you take insurance?

No, although some clients use their flexible medical accounts at their place of work for Healing Touch.

How did you get licensed/what does 'Healing Touch Certified Practitioner' mean?

I am a Registered Nurse. The Healing Touch Certified Practitioner (HTCP) credential is given to those who have completed a rigorous training and certification program sponsored by The Healing Touch Program and endorsed by the Holistic Nurses Association. Maintenance of certification depends on abiding by The Healing Touch Program's Code of Ethics (pdf) and Scope of Practice (pdf).

What did you do before this?

Before becoming a Healing Touch Practitioner, I worked as staff nurse on a cardiac unit, home health/hospice nurse, a team member for discharge planning, and a case manager for Cardiac Surgery and Catastrophic illness. (Read More). Helping people manage their health care in the privacy of their own homes inspired me to continue this service.

How did you get interested in Healing Touch?

I have always believed in the healing power of touch. I attended my first Healing Touch workshop in 1995 in Portland, Oregon. I was so inspired by the results of this work that I proceeded to certification and extended my practice to animals. I will always be grateful to Janet Mentgen RN , founder of Healing Touch, and Carol Komitor, founder of Healing Touch for Animals™.