Hi there

I'm sorry you've had painful rejecting experiences with touch in therapy. I understand how horrible that feels.

Touch is such an individual issue and there's really nothing wrong with needing it in my view. Some Ts do offer touch and you have the right to see someone who is prepared to offer it if that's what you need. Sometimes feelings change over time in the t relationship - in my case my t started by offering touch but then felt it wasn't helpful - and you might need to be prepared for that as obviously it is up to the T whether he or she wants to offer it and they have a right to refuse at any point, although hopefully with sensitivity.

I don't think there's any right or wrong about use of touch in therapy (obviously within ethical boundaries) only what feels right to t and client. I'm in a muddle with this myself because I crave touch strongly but it has pulled me backwards in the past and made me desperate for what i can't have. At other times it has helped me feel connected to and supported by t. My T uses her judgement call on what feels right at the time and I have to respect that. I prefer that to her saying 'no' full stop because she's leaving the issue for us both to negotiate as time goes on, although naturally the final decision lies with her. That wouldn't work for all but it does for me.

Maybe you have decided that touch is no longer something to expect from therapy, but it's worth being mindful that your feelings and needs are okay and there will always be ts prepared to work with you.