5NP Training with Dr. K
In 2023, a small group of mental health clinicians led by John Harvey and Martha Marshall (Austin, TX) approached Texas legislators with an innovative community mental health idea that they would go on to unanimously pass (effective September 1, 2023) - 88(R) HB 1106. A “favorite” of the legislators, this bill allows licensed mental health clinicians to offer 5NP auricular acupuncture to Texans for trauma, addiction, and/or physical, emotional, and psychological stress. At less than $1 per treatment, the five-needle protocol is a non-medication, barrier-free intervention for healing that helps to calm the nervous system - beneficial for emotional and behavioral regulation.
With this law change, a broader variety of licensed mental health clinicians (LPC, LMFT, LP, LCSW, LCDC - as well as Licensed Associates), nurses (NP, LVN, RN), and other Texas licensees now have the ability to provide 5NP in the context of community mental health and wellness for individuals and groups. This means that a clinician has the potential to help more people to heal while also increasing income potential by offering 5NP acupuncture group wellness sessions.
The 5-Needle Protocol is a powerful auricular (ear) acupuncture technique that helps bring the body out of "fight or flight" and into a state of balance. By placing five small needles (or magnetic beads) at specific points on the ear, this method calms the nervous system, reduces stress, and promotes emotional resilience. Originally developed for addiction recovery, it is now widely used to support those struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic stress. This simple yet effective practice offers a natural, cost-effective way to restore inner peace and well-being.
This tool has few contra-indications, can be used daily, and is also appropriate for psychological first aid in contexts such as community violence (school shootings, etc) and disaster relief. Ear acupuncture was widely used after 9/11 for first responders.
This modality is typically offered as a non-verbal, group meditative intervention. In addition, this tool is perfect for peer-to-peer support as it can easily be incorporated into staffing or supervision for self-care and burn-out prevention.
What are you waiting for? Register today!
Course Format
Dr. Koehler’s 5-Needle Protocol training is a three day training (option of one day virtual, two days in-person) with a virtual follow-up call scheduled for one month later. The content is divided into didactic and clinical experience with a short practicum.
Participants learn auricular point locations, needling techniques, clean needle precautions, tenets of Traditional Chinese Medicine, clinical strategies for application, and integration of the 5-needle protocol into various settings, such as individual psychotherapy and group meditation with sound healing.
Dr. Koehler’s 5NP training takes place in Frisco, Texas and provides trainees valuable hands-on experience as well as time for restorative self-care practices for burn-out prevention. Self-care opportunities may include sound healing with 5NP, yin yoga, breathwork, resonance biofeedback, equine interaction, and various trends in biohacking.
Trainees are responsible for completing supervised clinical experiences (which can be done virtually) and homework assignments. Participants are considered eligible for a certificate upon full completion.
This class is packed with information and paradigm shifts for clinicians who are embracing integrative and holistic approaches to mental health. We try to balance the pressure of that work with a number of relaxation practices to demonstrate the real nature of the 5NP experience, yin replenishment! Altogether, it is a unique experience for most attendees. We love providing these trainings and hope to work with you soon!
Upcoming 2025 Training Dates
June 20, 21, 22
July 4, 5, 6
July 18, 19, 20
August 15, 16, 17
August 29, 30, 31
September 12, 13, 14
October 3, 4, 5
October 17, 18, 19
October 31, Nov 1, 2
November 7, 8, 9
November 14, 15, 16
November 21, 22, 23
SPACE IS LIMITED! Reserve your seat!
Email to schedule a complimentary
information session!
DrKoehler@NeurodevelopmenTx.com
Cost
Training with Dr. Koehler is $1250 payable by Venmo/Paypal or credit card. Fees include training manual, materials, a starter kit of needling supplies, and supervision. A total of 24 CEU hours are offered to attendees including 2 hours of ethics and 2 hours of multicultural competency for mental health licensees. You must be present during the entire course and submit an evaluation form to receive CEUs.
Upon completing requirements, your training certificate and transcript will be sent to the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners to begin the administrative process of becoming a permitted Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist, (ADS). If you are attending from another state, the necessary information will be forwarded to your state’s licensing board upon completion of all requirements.
SC, Registered Nurse:
“This training surpassed my expectations. I walked away with many spiritual insights, a new therapeutic tool, great friends, and a sense of personal renewal.”
Read our trainee feedback:
TA, Licensed Professional Counselor:
“It was a peaceful and exciting experience! The trainer was amazing, passionate, and knowledgeable.”
MT, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor:
“I embraced all aspects of this training. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
LV, Licensed Professional Counselor:
“I came away with many new ideas and appreciated the hands-on experience, small group size, and pace of information.”
AA, Registered Nurse:
“This training perfectly met expectations. I loved the community aspect and group camaraderie.”
LT, Licensed Professional Counselor: