My therapist only hugs me if he asks permission on my part. I don't believe he hugs all his clients, as I know all of them. (and they all know each other). But probably a few, whom struggle with wanting touch. Neither time was very enjoyable. I won't lie. But I tried it, with someone whom I consider somewhat safe.

There was a period in time where I had a Pdoc whom came from a culture that was very tactile. I was the same age as his daughters (when most of the clients were much older). And he would say things like "when you sit here in front of me, so sick, I see my daughters". So he would always put his hand on my back or shoulder and rub them and I felt so unsafe with that man. I would make my therapist attend appts with me. Then he fell ill and stopped practicing.

My new Pdoc at the end of our sessions, he'll put his hand out to shake mine, I stare at it for a couple seconds and I am well aware he's doing it to build trust.