My T and I hug sometimes at the end of the session, right before I put my hand on the doorknob to leave. It is not every session. We are very close, so it is a natural extension of that--a physical expression of closeness. It is not a boundary crossing for either one of us. Sometimes the hug is kind of sideways with each of us just with one arm around the other. Other times, it is face to face with both arms, my head nestled against his chest, and we may give a squeeze. It's nice. He's very tall, so I feel protected. I don't have any trouble disengaging or saying good-bye. It's just very comfortable and safe. When we don't hug, that's OK too.

We have never discussed hugging at all. It seems very simple and natural to me, and I would not discuss such a hug with anyone else in my life, so it would be weird to consider this worthy of commenting on. Once when we were at a legal meeting, it was very very hard going, and we were alone, and he gave me a much needed hug. I told him later that that was just what I needed, but that is the only talk of hugs that we have had.

I am curious if those of you who hug talk about it--that it is a therapy issue for you?