The Heart Touch Method

Yes I'm interested, I'm Applying for a Scholarship

Working with a person who is dying or has a serious illness can be a profound experience. By simply being present, you allow a deep connection that can comfort and heal, transforming both the patient and caregiver.

The Heart Touch Method provides a safe space for sharing, contemplation, and cultivating awareness. Through experiential activities, group conversations, and hands-on touch techniques, this course will give you a toolkit for working with patients or loved ones facing serious illness.

Throughout the weekend you will deepen your understanding of the physical and emotional challenges hospice and palliative care patients encounter. You’ll learn how to greet these challenges with an open mind and heart, inspiring connection through thoughtful presence and gentle touch.

This program is for anyone interested in volunteering or increasing their knowledge. CEUs are available to massage therapists, RNs, LVNs, CNAs, HHAs, and chaplains.

Training Benefits

Upon completion of this training program, you will receive a certificate of completion from The Heart Touch Project. The Heart Touch Project is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider (450864-08), by the California Board of Registered Nursing as a Continuing Education Provider CEP 13426, as well as NAC#1247 by the CDPH, and approved by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians as a continuing education Approved Provider (V10953).

This program may be used for continuing education credits for members of the Association of Professional Chaplains. This record shall be retained by the CNA or HHA for a period of four (4) years starting from the date of enrollment.

Training Course Content

Mindful, Heart-Centered Approach to Working with Medically Fragile and Terminally Ill Patients
Positioning for Wheelchair and Bed-bound Clients
Patient Assessment and Communication Skills
Issues related to Aging, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Issues of Loss, Death and Bereavement
Volunteer/Client Boundaries
Volunteer Self Care
Infection Control Procedures
HIPAA Guidelines

Training Requirements

No prior massage or medical experience is needed to attend this training program however most of our partner hospices and hospitals require 150 hours from a certified massage school, medical license, or credential doctor, nurse, occupational or physical therapist or some other license to touch in order to volunteer.

Training Schedule

The Heart Touch Method Training Program is held multiple times a year (check out our full calendar) at The Heart Touch Project Training Room and is based on the schedule below.

Training Dates:

February 8-9, 2020
April 11-12, 2020
July 11-12, 2020
August 3-4, 2020
August 22-23, 2020 (training in Hawaii)
October 17-18, 2020

Training Times:

Day 1: 8:30am - 6:00pm

Day 2: 9:00am - 6:00pm

Training Location:

The Heart Touch Project Training Room

3400 Airport Avenue, Suite 42

Santa Monica, CA 90405

Training Cost

The Heart Touch Method Training Program costs $400 due with an application. Partial scholarships ($200) are available to those who commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer service with one of our partner organizations.