Touch / Physical Holding

[Pencil]

Here is the most interesting one:

as I can't post links or addresses, I'll have to give directions:

Google University of Western Sydney Australia repository (go to the Vital Repository link) , then search Michelle Webster Physical holding in psychotherapy.

A PhD thesis on physical holding in psychotherapy. Wow.

Pencil.

 

[Pencil]

Hi

Hey pencil,

I don't have money/insurance, so I just go to college counseling center...so it's not going to happen. Wish I could get it, but it's not gonna happen. Oh well.

Noah, see the references in other posts. In the mean time, I'm going to try to send you the links - I've not done this before on this site, but will try :)

P

 

[Pencil]

I have no desire to be touched by my therapist in any way shape or form. I think I would about have a panic attack if he even shook my hand.

mmmmm, perhaps that indicates that you need it. Don't know, just wondering.

Pencil

 

[Pencil]

thinking about someone touching me sends shivers up my spine. But on the other hand, I crave it so desperately. It's a hard one!

This statement makes me feel really sad for you.

Pencil

 

[Pencil]

If therapists are turned off by your inquiries of touch on the phone, have you explained that touch is a difficult area for you and that you want to try to overcome that? Maybe they are reading something different into it. I've not done therapy, so that's just the first impression I got when I read that.

It is such a sensitive issue, and you're right, I probably come across as a pervert!

Pencil

 

[Tanishq]

I could not handle cuddling from a therapist.

Me neither would accept cuddling or hugging from any professional. It is like crossing your boundary. Therapist sounds professional and guide to us.

I would accept hugs from my friends, loved ones!

 

[Pencil]

Hi Jaret, I think you've just pinpointed the difference that exists for people like Smushroom, Noah and myself - we can't tolerate social hugging and/or we don't have loved ones to do that anyway. I don't want a 'friendly hug' from a therapist - if one should try I would probably lose the plot.

 

[Katz2]

Hey Pencil, I've been thinking why I couldnt say more about why I couldnt hug!!! I guess for me...it's the contact, it's a powerful thing, and for me I would worry if someone would take advantage....so too many thoughts to cope with.

 

[Autumncolors]

Pencil, please be careful! I had a therapist who i engaged in physcal contact with. therapist are humans and can easily blurr the lines with touch. I looked at my therapist physical contact as parental, but the therapist was getting gratification from it all along and was sexually harassing me.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

IMHO those of us with hazy boundaries (ie any of us abused as children) should stay away from physical contact with a therapist beyond a hug at the end of the session. Physical touch can be EASILY mistaken for deeper feelings, and physical touch can spurn those feelings. I believe this is one of those things that we need to work on outside of therapy.

 

[Pencil]

and was sexually harassing me.

What a (&^$*()!! Sorry about that.

 

[Pencil]

it's the contact, it's a powerful thing, and for me I would worry if someone would take advantage....so too many thoughts to cope with.

Hi Katz - for me that is all the more reason why good therapists should be mindful and not have such a strong taboo - the taboo actually reinforces the fear. I know this view could be controversial.