LEVEL 2: Integrative Somatic Therapy Practice

Human touch plays a vital role in healthy growth and development. While food is essential for survival, touch is equally important for emotional and physical well-being. Research has associated touch deprivation with increased anxiety, depression, and stress. In contrast, positive human touch can help regulate the nervous system, slow heart rate, lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, and stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone that supports connection and emotional bonding. In ISTP™, touch is used as a therapeutic tool to help clients feel safe, connected, and understood. Through intentional, sensitive, and compassionate touch, therapists foster trust and support the repair of relational and emotional wounds caused by traumatic experiences.

Ratha Chek, Founder of ISTP™ Tweet