I'm just trying to get an idea of how much therapists other than my own use physical touch. My psychologist started out by just comforting me when I was upset with a hand on the shoulder. Then it turned into holding hands, then hugging, prolonged hugging, massaging, laying on the couch. He seems to think this is appropriate in therapy with someone who has trauma in their background. At first I thought this touch was helpful to me, but in the end it ended up hurting me pretty bad. I've posted on other threads, but I am involved in a lawsuit against this therapist (more than just the kind of touch I mentioned above took place). So, anyway, now that I'm not longer under his spell I want to ask the rest of you how much your therapist uses touch and how you feel about it. He claimed it was fairly common. Thanks!