Transforming Touch®
“I see touch as the missing language of Developmental Trauma.”
Stephen Terrell
Transforming Touch® is a trauma-attuned, regulation-focused approach that supports the repair and healing of developmental trauma. It recognizes that early-life ruptures can ripple through our nervous system for years—sometimes decades—affecting how we feel, move, and relate to ourselves and others.
Developed by Stephen Terrell, PsyD, SEP, Transforming Touch® is grounded in science, including the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study, which highlights the importance of early intervention for those exposed to developmental trauma. The model uses hands-on interventions—and at times, intentional non-physical touch—to reach non-verbal, early trauma and gently re-pattern experiences across the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual self.
This is not “massage therapy with a twist.” Transforming Touch® provides structured, neurophysiological protocols designed to reduce the impact of early stress and trauma on the nervous system. Even when there’s no hands-on contact, subtle, intentional work can create profound shifts in the body and mind, helping the nervous system learn that safety and connection are possible.
Transforming Touch® can be used as a stand-alone approach or combined with other somatic modalities. In my work, it has supported deep and lasting transformation in areas such as developmental trauma, unintegrated primitive reflexes, grief, loss, and addictions. It remains my preferred touch-based approach for supporting non-verbal trauma healing, helping people rewrite the stories their bodies have been carrying for years—sometimes without even realizing it.
“I have been working with Bianca for over a year now. I have developmental and shock trauma, and the healing journey has been very slow. In the past few months, Bianca introduced me to Transforming Touch®, and having this experience has felt like intense reprogramming of some very early experiences. In particular, I have had very strong responses to the Fear Paralysis and Moro Enhancements. The intensity was new and ran very deep.
Generally, our sessions focus on the 7-point protocol so that my system learns to self-regulate better. I am still not very comfortable with touch, so we often use intentional touch instead. It is very powerful therapy. I sleep better, my digestion has improved and my startle reflex and sensory challenges don’t give me as much trouble. Bianca puts a lot of presence, intention and thought into creating a safe and calm space for the work, and building a strong relationship with the client.”
Laura, Canada