We use touch in my therapy, quite a lot. I looked for a T who was aware of the importance of it for some people, and who was willing to do this with me. She initiated it at first, asking if I would like a hug after a few sessions and asking if she could hold my hands while kneeling in front of me during a pretty tough time.

We took tentative steps along the way, with both of us adking at times, but eventually it just became natural and spontaneous from either side.

We hug at the end of every session, and in session we hold hands, and hug, and she holds me.

I find that it really helps me access emotions, and express them. I don't think that I would be able to do that without the touch, though I am making progress and it is becoming easier to do now without it.

Recently, things have been very difficult, and what is in me is really hidden right now, but in session today she reached out her hand and asked if she could hold mine (after a few sessions of no physical contact between us because I have not trusted her). I remembered in that moment that she was safe, and that she was there, so I leant in and put my head on the shoulder as she held me and rubbed my back. I really felt everything that had no words in that moment. All the hurt and the sadness that was locked away was allowed a place, right there, and I cried silently on her shoulder. I would not have been able to do that without the touch. It allowed me to express that.

Ask your T about it when you next meet, and I hope that you can work with them how you want to, in a way that is healing for you. Practicing safe touch with someone 'safe' can be very powerful, I think.