NeuroAffective Touch®

A Pathway to Emotional and Somatic Healing

How can Neuroaffective Touch® nourish you?

Neuroaffective Touch® (NAT) is a somatic therapy designed to address early developmental trauma[1], attachment issues, and emotional dysregulation through the therapeutic use of touch. Developed by Dr. Aline LaPierre[2], this integrative approach blends somatic psychology, affective neuroscience, and body-oriented psychotherapy, offering a holistic pathway to emotional and physical healing.

At its core, Neuroaffective Touch® recognizes that early relational experiences are not only stored cognitively but also somatically, within the body’s nervous system and tissues[3]. By engaging both the emotional and sensory systems, NAT helps to repair the non-verbal, body-based memories that traditional talk therapies might not fully address[4].

A foundational element of NAT is the Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges[5]. This theory describes how the vagus nerve—a key part of the autonomic nervous system—influences our emotional regulation, social connection, and stress responses. The vagus nerve has two primary branches:

  • Ventral Vagal Complex (VVC): Supports feelings of safety, connection, and calm. Activation promotes social engagement, relaxation, and positive emotional states.
  • Dorsal Vagal Complex (DVC): Triggers the "freeze" response during overwhelming stress, leading to dissociation, numbness, or shutdown.

Polyvagal Theory emphasizes the role of the autonomic nervous system in shaping our emotional and behavioural responses to stress. NAT uses gentle, attuned touch to influence the vagus nerve and support nervous system regulation. By helping clients shift from states of hyperarousal (fight/flight) or hyperarousal (freeze) into a balanced, regulated state, NAT fosters emotional resilience, enhances self-awareness, and strengthens the capacity for secure attachment.

Through this integrative process, NAT nourishes the mind and body by:

  • Promoting a sense of safety and connection
  • Facilitating emotional processing and healing
  • Enhancing nervous system flexibility and resilience
  • Supporting deeper self-awareness and embodied presence

Benefits of Neuroaffective Touch®

Neuroaffective Touch® offers a wide range of benefits that extend beyond traditional therapeutic approaches by addressing both emotional and somatic dimensions of well-being. Key benefits include:

  • Emotional Regulation: Helps regulate overwhelming emotions, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
  • Attachment Repair: Supports the healing of early attachment wounds, fostering a greater sense of safety and connection in relationships.
  • Trauma Resolution: Facilitates the integration of traumatic memories stored in the body, promoting a sense of wholeness and empowerment.
  • Nervous System Resilience: Enhances the body's ability to recover from stress, improving overall emotional and physical resilience.
  • Body Awareness: Increases interoceptive awareness—the ability to sense and interpret bodily sensations—which is crucial for self-regulation and well-being.

Research supports the efficacy of somatic therapies in addressing trauma and emotional dysregulation. Studies highlight the importance of body-oriented interventions in promoting neuroplasticity, emotional healing, and autonomic nervous system regulation[6].

Neuroaffective Touch® may assist in relieving symptoms related to:

Anger management Behavioural issues Concentration, focus and problem solving Confidence and self-esteem Depression

What to expect at a Neuroaffective Touch® session

A typical Neuroaffective Touch® session is conducted in a safe, supportive environment, tailored to the individual’s needs and comfort level. Sessions may include:

  • Initial Assessment: The therapist discusses your history, current concerns, and therapeutic goals to establish a foundation of trust.
  • Somatic Awareness Practices: Gentle exercises to increase body awareness and identify areas of tension or emotional holding.
  • Therapeutic Touch: Gentle, non-invasive touch applied to areas such as the back, shoulders, or abdomen. The touch is respectful, attuned, and always consensual, designed to support nervous system regulation and emotional integration.
  • Verbal Processing: The therapist may guide reflective dialogue to help process emotions, bodily sensations, and insights that arise during the session.
  • Integration: The session concludes with grounding techniques to help integrate the experience, fostering a sense of safety and stability.

Clients often report feeling more connected to their bodies, emotionally balanced, and resilient after sessions. The therapy is beneficial for individuals dealing with complex trauma, chronic stress, attachment issues, and emotional dysregulation.

Neuroaffective Touch® offers a transformative approach to healing, bridging the gap between mind and body to support profound personal growth and resilience.

References

1. Dr laPierre. Therapeutic Use of Touch as a Bridge to Body-Mind Integration. Neuroaffective Touch Institute; 2025.

2. Dr LaPierre. Dr. Aline LaPierre, PsyD, MFT, SEP. Trauma and Beyond Centre; 2025.

3. Van der Kolk B. Resources. The Body Keeps the Score; 2014.

4. Levine P. Somatic Experiencing and Trauma Healing. Somatic Experiencing Internationa; 2025.

5. Porges S. What is PolyVagal Theory? Polyvagal Institute; 2025.

6. Sloan D. Journal of Traumatic Stress. Wiley; 2024.

Frequently asked questions

Neuroaffective Touch® (NAT) is a body-oriented therapeutic approach that integrates somatic psychology, affective neuroscience, and attachment theory. Unlike other somatic therapies that may focus primarily on physical symptoms or movement, NAT uses gentle, attuned touch alongside verbal processing to address emotional, developmental, and relational trauma stored in the body. It works directly with the nervous system to support emotional regulation, healing, and embodied self-awareness.

Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, explains how the autonomic nervous system regulates our responses to stress and social connection. NAT applies this theory by using therapeutic touch to engage the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in emotional regulation. Through this, NAT helps clients shift from states of hyperarousal (fight/flight) or hypoarousal (freeze) into a more regulated, calm, and connected state, supporting healing from trauma and emotional dysregulation.

NAT is beneficial for individuals dealing with a range of issues, including early developmental trauma, attachment wounds, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, PTSD, and somatic symptoms like tension or dissociation. It’s particularly helpful for people who feel disconnected from their bodies or have found traditional talk therapy insufficient in addressing deeper, non-verbal layers of trauma.

Yes, NAT is a gentle and non-invasive therapy designed to be safe and supportive. The practitioner works collaboratively with the client, always seeking consent and maintaining clear boundaries. Sessions are tailored to each individual’s comfort level, and verbal processing accompanies touch to ensure emotional safety. However, individuals with severe dissociation, complex PTSD, or medical conditions should consult with a healthcare provider to ensure the therapy is appropriate for their needs.

After a session, clients often report feeling calmer, more grounded, and connected to their bodies. Emotional releases, such as feelings of relief, clarity, or lightness, are common. Some may experience temporary emotional or physical shifts as the body integrates the work. Practitioners typically provide grounding exercises or follow-up recommendations to support this integration. Regular sessions can deepen the benefits, enhancing emotional resilience and overall well-being.

More on "Body"

Find in