In this episode, hosts Andrew and Maxi take a deeper look at the power of touch in the therapeutic relationship.Andrew discussion the impact of reading The Lost Art of Healing: Practicing Compassion in Medicine, and shares some great quotes which examines how touch augments the therapeutic relationship.Some of the key topics discussed include:How touch can be used both for assessment and connection with the patient.The Ted Talks episode by Abraham Verghes - “A Doctor’s Touch”.How touching is key to the transformation of a patient's level of trust, and how as clinicians we often forget the feeling of being a patient.Why we need to build a bridge to create a sense of safety in the therapeutic relationship.How responsive touch bypasses cognition and engages the neurophysiological system to activate the parasympathetic response which creates trust and safety.How the patient’s mental and emotional state can change with each assessment, and using touch to re-build the bridge.Using appropriate touch in context to each patient, and communicating why, with added sensitivity to trauma survivors.Adjusting our own state of being fully present while touching the patient, and observing their response.How safe and appropriate touch can positively impact the patient and allow a deeper healing.Why practicing your “presence” skills rather than just touching skills is important.A key takeaway from this episode is to observe your own state and do an out-breath before you touch a patient, and observe what’s happening with their response, and adjust yourself as needed.Mentioned in this episode:Podcast Sponsor: Jane PaymentsJane is an all-in-one practice management software that offers a fully integrated payment solution called Jane Payments. Although the world of payment processing can be complex, Jane Payments was built to help make things as simple as possible to help you get paid. And it’s easy to get started!

Here’s how:

Head to jane.app/payments to book a 1-on-1 demo with a member of Jane’s Support Team. This can give you a better sense of how Jane Payments can integrate with your practice by seeing some popular features in action.
If you know you’re ready to get started, you sign up for Jane! Use the code 3601MO for a 1-month grace period while you settle in.