I agree that the therapist should only have attempted physical touch after it was talked about at great length first, acceptance by the client, then NO surprises. Some are perfectly ok with that.

My personal preference would NOT include touch and if a therapist mentioned it, I would probably be upset just with the mention. That's me though.

All in all, I think it differs from therapist to client to the type of therapy being done and always should be well-discussed in advance.

I'm sorry your friend was upset by this and I don't blame her one bit. I would've been as well.

I feel she should discuss this thoroughly with her therapist and then make the decision of whether she feels she can continue on in her therapy with this particular therapist.

Good luck and I hope you keep us updated.

KD