Healing & support for

trauma & addiction recovery.

Training everyone

to use this protocol safely at home &/or professionally.

Dr. George

is a nationally registered POCA AAT trainer and Doctor of Oriental Medicine.

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Dr. G has ten years of experience with this protocol, three decades as an educator, and is happy to discuss providing group trainings at addiction and trauma recovery centers, schools (all healthcare programs), hospitals, medical clinics, churches, community centers, etc. Our primary locations for the in-person portions of these trainings are throughout the state of West Virginia, and the Western Slope of Colorado. 

Dr. G is a Registered Auricular Acu-Technician (AAT) Trainer for the People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture (POCA) . We train laypeople (with a focus on healthcare professionals) and ordinands to offer this invaluable service to those who are healing through all types of trauma &/or addiction. We believe everyone can benefit from going through this training, and receiving this therapy.

Professionals are able to apply for approval to practice in their respective states. Each state has different regulations. West Virginia and Colorado are leading the way with some of the most progressive and open eligibility standards.

Many states started writing legislation for professionals to use this protocol when there was one organization advocating and promoting trainings in the US. Since then, states like WV and CO have continued to expand their legislation and now embrace POCA as an equivalent training, in addition to NADA. Many practitioners and trainers have since elected to work with POCA as they expand their programs and align with our inclusive missions and values.

Colorado no longer requires license, registration, or certification as a mental health professional to use this protocol. You simply must hold a certificate from an approved organization like POCA.

West Virginia has expanded their list of approved providers. For details, scroll down to “Who is eligible to become and AAT”.

Here are links to WV & CO agencies regulating professional use of the 5NP:

West Virginia Application

Colorado approval process

POCA ATTs are trained to use a simple, safe and standardized ear acupuncture protocol to support recovery from addictions, physical &/or mental traumas, and for use in disaster relief. 

Upon successful completion of all four components of the course, students will be eligible to receive their ATTAR & POCA AAT Certificates. If required by the state, students can submit these for approval to practice in a professional capacity. 

You can register for the online introductory course or the full ATTAR/AAT training.

This training compliments our other foundational training in Asian Bodywork & Yoga Therapy (ABYT). We encourage you to take this training as well if you would like additional hands-on therapy skills to use in one-on-one connections where you are supporting others to connect, align, flow, and grow.

Who is eligible to become an AAT?

To be clear, in many states you must get state approval to use this protocol in a professional capacity. State approval is not required to use this protocol in a non-professional capacity, such as with your family and friends.

In Colorado you do not need to hold a professional license to practice this protocol professionally. You do need to complete this training and submit your information to the state. Colorado Professional Practice revised bill 2021.

We are working on further expansion of the legislation in West Virginia. For now, it is pretty expansive. In West Virginia, you must complete this training. Professionals currently eligible for an ‘ADS certificate’ in WV include: 

• LAcs

• Physicians, dentists, medical students 

• NPs, RNs, LPNs 

• Physician Assistants 

• Physical therapists/Occupational therapists 

• Licensed Social Workers 

• Licensed Professional Counselors/Psychologist 

• Emergency Medical Services provider 

• Corrections medical providers

• Yoga instructors

• Massage Therapists

What does the ATTAR/POCA training process entail?

You will need to attend the training, complete assigned homework, and supervised practicum. Then apply for/receive a POCA certificate as an Auricular Acu-Technician (AAT) / Acu Detox Specialist (ADS). In some states you can start working professionally right away. In others, you’ll need to register with the state.

Average costs for this training in the US is $300-500. We offer the course in the hybrid format described above to keep your costs as low as possible. We can also offer the full course in a 3-day in person immersion format. Ask for details.