A nurse is planning to use therapeutic touch as an energy therapy for a client who has anxiety. The nurse should perform which of the following actions when using therapeutic touch? (Select all that apply.)
A.
Obtain informed consent from the client
B.
Place the hands on or near the client’s body
C.
Assess the client’s energy field for imbalances or disturbances
D.
Meditate before and after the session
E.
Provide feedback to the client about the session
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answers: A, B, C, and D
Explanation:
A. Obtain informed consent from the client
Informed consent is a fundamental aspect of any therapeutic intervention, including energy therapies like therapeutic touch. The nurse must explain the nature of the therapy, its intended effects, and any potential risks or benefits to the client. This ensures that the client is fully aware and agrees to the procedure. Consent should be documented, and the client should have the opportunity to ask questions before proceeding.
B. Place the hands on or near the client’s body
Therapeutic touch involves the practitioner placing their hands either lightly on or near the client’s body. This technique aims to balance and harmonize the client’s energy field by directing healing energy. The practitioner may use a “hovering” technique, where the hands are placed just above the body, or touch the body lightly, depending on the client’s comfort and the specific goals of the therapy.
C. Assess the client’s energy field for imbalances or disturbances
A key component of therapeutic touch is the assessment of the client’s energy field. Practitioners often use their hands to sense disturbances or imbalances in the client’s energy field. This assessment helps guide the therapeutic process, allowing the practitioner to focus on areas where the energy field may be disrupted or blocked. The assessment is typically performed by moving the hands in a sweeping or scanning motion over the body.
D. Meditate before and after the session
Meditation is often recommended for practitioners of therapeutic touch as it helps them center themselves, enhance their sensitivity to energy fields, and maintain a calm and focused state during the session. Meditating before the session prepares the practitioner to be fully present and attentive to the client’s needs. Meditating after the session can help in grounding and clearing any residual energy, ensuring that the practitioner remains balanced.
E. Provide feedback to the client about the session
While providing feedback can be valuable, it is not a required action in therapeutic touch. Feedback may be offered if it is relevant and helpful to the client’s understanding of their experience. However, the primary focus during the session is on the therapeutic process rather than on providing detailed feedback, which can be addressed separately if the client requests it.
In summary, using therapeutic touch effectively involves obtaining informed consent, placing hands on or near the client’s body, assessing the energy field, and practicing meditation to maintain a clear and balanced state.