That sounds really nice to have that option, if you want it or need it one day. It sounds very low pressure with no expectations.

1) do you hug your therapist?
Yes. We hug sometimes at the end of sessions, but we didn't do that until we knew each other really well. When we don't hug, I don't miss it. It is not an expectation I have--just something really nice and comforting when the time is right. If we had never hugged, we would still be very close--my T is very good about "holding" me in session without any touching.

2) what's it like?
T often (but not always) asks if we can hug before we do it. I think he is being very respectful and not wanting to assume too much. I also read somewhere that legally, it can be considered "assault" if a healthcare provider or worker (not just therapists) touches without asking first, so it could also be he was trained to help prevent liability by asking for permission first. We often hug after a really trying session where I have become upset. Or one in which we have felt particularly close or a bit joyful to be with each other again (like after a long break). It is really important to me that I don't have to ask him for a hug. That would not work for me. I have just come out of a marriage where my XH was very withholding of affection. He would never touch me unless I initiated it or asked for it. It made me feel rejected and unwanted. I would not want to have that same pattern with T--it would just make me feel bad.

3) how was it the first time?
It was wonderful.

4) how is it now?
It still feels good, but is more relaxed, and not as big a deal. Sometimes T hugs me around the shoulders, like an encouraging squeeze as we walk toward the door together. But often we do a chest to chest hug. He is tall and I feel very safe when pressed up against him, as if he can protect me. Overall, it just feels very very natural, like of course we would hug because we are so close.