modalities i use
Transforming
Touch®
This therapeutic approach can be used with children, teenagers and adults.
describe this approach?
Transforming Touch® is a regulation focused therapy that uses safe touch to heal early developmental trauma. It was developed by Dr. Stephen Terrell and works with a 7-point protocol to build attachment & somatic trust in the body.
Overtime enhancements and the integration of primitive reflexes are incorporated.
Transforming Touch® is a relational, non-pathologising approach that is profoundly healing at the nervous system level. It brings together several disciplines including attachment theory, Neuroscience, Child Development Theory and Somatics.
With ongoing sessions a person’s capacity and resilience improves as does their ability to deal with stress in everyday life.
Book a Session
HOW IT WORKS
• Targets the nervous system: It directly addresses the physiological and somatic responses to trauma stored in the body, working at a pre-verbal level.
• Uses a 7-point protocol: The therapy involves a fixed protocol that supports different parts of the body including - the heart, kidneys, adrenal glands, brain stem and limbic system, which are connected to the nervous system's stress response.
• Establishes somatic trust: The consistent, predictable protocol helps a person's nervous system learn to feel safe, allowing the body and mind to soften and regulate.
• Repairs early developmental ruptures: The therapeutic relationship and the consistent touch protocol help to heal early attachment ruptures, leading to a more secure attachment style.
• Supports primitive reflexes: It addresses primitive reflexes that may be stuck in a survival state due to early trauma.
• Supports Organs / Body Systems: The 7-point protocol can be adapted to target specific organs and body systems, including the heart, endocrine system, lymphatic system, digestive system, and more.
key principles
• Regulation-focused: The primary goal is to improve the body's ability to regulate itself, which in turn allows for a greater window of tolerance for stress.
• Relationship-based: The practitioner acts as a secure base, providing a non-judgmental, positive relationship that is supportive of healing.
• Non-pathologizing: The approach avoids pathologizing, focusing on healing dysregulation in the nervous system rather than just managing symptoms.
• Somatic and embodied: Unlike talk therapy, it focuses on the physical, rather than just the cognitive, experience of trauma.
The therapy Process
01. initial enquiry
Reach out to enquire about working together. I’ll send you key information about my approach and what to expect so you can get a clear sense of whether this feels like the right support for you.
02. phone call
We’ll have a free 20-minute call to explore your needs and answer any questions. If you’d like to continue, I’ll send you an intake form to complete and return before our first session
03. first session
In this 90-minute session (€120), we begin by briefly discussing your intake form. From there, we move into a somatic-focused session so you can experience the work directly and begin building a felt sense of safety and connection in the body.
04. deepen into the work
Therapy continues in a block of six sessions (€390), held at the same time and day each week. Ongoing work is recommended to support deeper regulation and embodiment, with breaks between blocks encouraged to allow for rest and integration.
Sessions are offered in person or online via Zoom. The work is effective with or without physical touch.
Each session begins with a brief verbal check-in (5-10 mins) to understand how you are feeling and what has occurred since your last session. You will always be asked for explicit consent before any work begins.
For in-person sessions, you may lie face-up (fully clothed) on a treatment table or remain seated if that is more comfortable. For online sessions, you can lie on a bed, couch, or yoga mat at home, with your camera positioned so the therapist can see your head and feet.
Transforming Touch® follows a structured protocol, working with the heart, kidneys, brain stem, ankles, and limbic system for set periods of time. You may talk or rest quietly during the session. Touch is passive and stationary—there is no massage or movement. The intention is gentle support & presence. This part of the session lasts 45 minutes.
After the session, there is a short debrief (5-10 mins). The total session time is 60 minutes. Clients are welcome to check in during the week if questions or concerns arise.
I work with adults, teens, and children. Teens typically attend sessions independently.
When working with children, a parent is always present. Depending on the child’s needs, sessions may involve working with the child while a parent observes, or working with the parent and child together in the same session. This will be discussed in advance to determine what is most supportive for your family.
Sessions with younger children integrate play-based activities alongside touch and Somatic Experiencing® (SE) work.
Payment is required in advance at the time of booking. Payments can be made by cash, bank transfer, Revolut, or PayPal (details will be provided before your first session).
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will forfeit the session fee, except in the case of illness or emergencies. To maintain consistency in the work, a missed session is not rescheduled within the same week; instead, the agreed 6-week block is extended accordingly.
Please ensure any transfer fees are covered so the full session fee is received.
The number of sessions varies depending on your goals, history, and current capacity. Some clients benefit from short-term support, while others choose to work over a longer period. In general - regulation work is not a quick fix and usually requires consistent sessions over time. This can be discussed during an initial session and reviewed as we go.
start Your wellness Journey
Ready to begin your regulation journey? Schedule a session today and take the first step
towards more balance and wellbeing.
Schedule a Session
