Minority opinion here and bit of a soapbox. I think hugs may be sexually charged in a therapeutic setting where transference is a risk. And if certain T's avoid hugs/touch on principle it's in their rights, although of course clients who need touch/reassurance understandably want to be matched with Ts who allow this.

End of first session my T touched my back -- presumably reassuringly -- and I flinched. I want to be able see any stranger's hand coming towards me. Not something she'll try again.

Hugs are too commonplace nowadays...I wish there were concrete social rules for them, e.g., after a second meeting for newly introduced relatives, third for friends/acquaintances, anything? I sometimes hug when it's not wanted, and definitely receive more hugs than wanted. It's confusing.

Which gets back to T. Shouldn't this discussion be part of the initial interview session so there are no surprises or hurt feelings? And do clients ask for hugs, or do the Ts offer them? How this even happens is unclear. Here