I'm so sorry you have such difficulties with physical contact with others. It must be really hard, and I can tell already that you are a very strong person.

This is just my own opinion, but I do think that your previous therapist's actions were inappropriate. Others might disagree with me, but from my point of view, looking at your situation from the outside, I think she went too far.

I don't know much about therapy specifically dealing with the "reptilian brain", but I have a theory. For others who are (relatively) comfortable with physical contact, they might not take much notice of her actions (i.e. when she moved her chair closer, or when she put your legs between hers). Of course, they might either flinch a little if they found it awkward, or they might be happy that they can have that contact with their therapist. However, for somebody who suffers with triggers from touch like you do, there is a point, imho, where it goes too far and it becomes inappropriate.

I agree with your previous therapist on the fact that gradual exposure to touch and contact with others could help decrease the number of triggers and help you feel more comfortable. Saying that, I do literally mean "gradual", as in very slowly, over a long period of time. I do not agree with her actions in your last session at all. I think she went too far, too quickly. I would definitely be freaked out if my therapist did that to me after only a few months, and I wouldn't be in the situation you are.

I could be totally wrong, this is just my opinion, but I think your reaction is pretty spot on - if you weren't comfortable with it at all, and you felt it was going too far, then that needed to be addressed. I think it was a good move that you ended therapy with her then, otherwise it might have become worse.

If you ever feel uncomfortable about something, or you really don't like what someone is doing, please tell them. It is better to let others know what you need, so that they can understand better, and so are better equipped to help you.

I'd like to ask - are you in therapy now? If you are, what sort of therapy are you in, and how do you find your therapist compared to your therapist 10 years ago? If not, have you considered going back to therapy?

Sending all my love and support